What does epitome mean?
An epitome is a person or thing that so perfectly embodies a particular quality or type that it becomes its defining example: a gracious host may be called the epitome of hospitality, or a sleek sports car the epitome of speed. The word almost always appears in the pattern "the epitome of [quality]" and carries a strongly positive or admiring connotation, though it can be used ironically to highlight a flaw taken to its extreme. A second, now-rare meaning survives from earlier centuries: a brief summary or abridgment of a longer written work. Derived from Greek roots meaning "to cut into," the word literally suggests something cut down to its essence — which neatly explains both senses. It is standard in British and American English and belongs chiefly to formal or elevated prose.
A person or thing that is a perfect example or embodiment of a particular quality, type, or class.
"She was the epitome of grace under pressure."
Almost always used with the definite article and followed by 'of'; often slightly formal in tone.
A summary or abstract of a written work; a condensed account of a larger body of text.
"The scholar produced an epitome of the medieval chronicle for modern readers."
This older sense is now rare, surviving mainly in historical or academic contexts.
Pronounced /ɪˈpɪtəmiz/ in the plural; the plural form is uncommon because the word usually appears in the singular.
"The museum's portraits are epitomes of Victorian respectability."
Despite its polished Greek pedigree, 'epitome' originally meant nothing grander than a summary — a book's 'cut-down' version before it came to mean the perfect example of anything.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of epitome
Epitome comes from Greek epitomē, meaning an abridgment or summary, formed from epitemnein, "to cut into" or "cut short" (epi-, "into," plus temnein, "to cut"). Latin adopted the term as epitome, preserving the sense of a condensed account of a larger work. English borrowed it in the early 16th century, initially in this summarizing sense, before it developed its modern figurative meaning of a perfect embodiment of a quality. The verb epitomize was formed later from the same root.
Related word forms
How epitome is actually used
Formal to semi-formal register; overwhelmingly used in modern English in sense 1 ('the epitome of X'). The older 'summary' sense is now rare and largely confined to historical or scholarly contexts. Typically preceded by the definite article and followed by 'of'.
Easily confused with epitome
While 'acme' refers to the peak or highest point of achievement, 'epitome' refers to a perfect example embodying a quality rather than a summit of attainment.
'Epitaph' is an inscription on a tomb honoring the dead, whereas 'epitome' is a person or thing that perfectly embodies a quality.