exemplify

[ig-zem-pluh-fahy] /ɪgˈzɛm pləˌfaɪ/
verb (used with object), exemplified, exemplifying.
1.
to show or illustrate by example.
2.
to furnish or serve as an example of:
The plays of Wilde exemplify the comedy of manners.
3.
Law. to transcribe or copy; make an attested copy of (a document) under seal.
Origin
1375-1425; late Middle English exemplifien < Middle French exemplifier < Medieval Latin exemplificāre to copy. See exemplum, -ify
Related forms
exemplifiable, adjective
exemplifier, noun
well-exemplified, adjective
Synonyms
2. typify, epitomize, depict, embody.
Examples from the web for exemplify
  • The restaurants exemplify the globalization taking place in our neighborhoods as well as abroad.
  • The choices made by the designers were clearly made to exemplify and celebrate biological diversity.
  • These developments drew headlines because they seemed to exemplify significant trends in the American economy.
  • These valiant souls, with unfettered resolve, exemplify the true character of this great nation.
  • The winners, fund officials say, exemplify the best in public service.
  • Their heroic response came to exemplify how utterly self-sacrificing a team of mountaineers can be.
  • He should have known better, since as an advisor he is supposed to exemplify mature and adult behavior.
  • Her attitude and manner exemplify feudal system prerogatives at their best.
  • He has come to exemplify the coherence of a fierce, prophetic vision.
  • He chooses his characters because they embody concretely and so exemplify the conception he has formed of a significant situation.
British Dictionary definitions for exemplify

exemplify

/ɪɡˈzɛmplɪˌfaɪ/
verb (transitive) -fies, -fying, -fied
1.
to show by example
2.
to serve as an example of
3.
(law)
  1. to make an official copy of (a document from public records) under seal
  2. to transcribe (a legal document)
Derived Forms
exemplifiable, adjective
exemplification, noun
exemplificative, adjective
exemplifier, noun
Word Origin
C15: via Old French from Medieval Latin exemplificāre, from Latin exemplumexample + facere to make
Word Origin and History for exemplify
v.

early 15c., "to illustrate by examples, to instruct by (good) example," from Medieval Latin exemplificare "to illustrate," from Latin exemplum (see example). Meaning "to serve as an example" is recorded from 1793. Related: Exemplified; exemplifies; exemplifying.