What does exemplariness mean?
Exemplariness is an abstract noun denoting the quality of being exemplary — that is, of serving as a model or pattern deserving imitation. Where the adjective "exemplary" describes conduct, achievement, or work of outstanding merit, "exemplariness" names that meritorious quality itself, much as "bravery" names the quality behind a brave act. The word belongs to formal register: it appears most often in award citations, evaluations, obituaries, and moral or literary criticism, as in praising someone's exemplariness in public service. It is uncountable and has no common plural. Because it is long and somewhat rare, speakers often prefer phrases like "exemplary conduct" instead, yet the noun remains useful precisely when a writer wants to treat model behavior as a quality in its own right rather than merely describe it.
nounThe quality or state of being exemplary; the degree to which someone or something serves as a model worth imitating.
- The quality of serving as a desirable model or pattern; the state of being exemplary.
"Her exemplariness as a mentor was acknowledged by every student she had taught."
"The committee cited his exemplariness in public service when presenting the lifetime achievement award."
"Critics admired the novel's moral exemplariness, though some found its virtuous characters a little too perfect."
Exemplariness is a mass noun and is not normally used in the plural.
"His exemplariness was recognized across the profession."
While "exemplary" praises the deed, "exemplariness" names the very quality that makes it praiseworthy — a word built for award ceremonies.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of exemplariness
Exemplariness is formed from the adjective "exemplary" plus the noun-forming suffix "-ness." "Exemplary" derives from Latin "exemplaris," meaning relating to a pattern or copy, from "exemplum" (a sample or model), itself from "eximere," to take out. English borrowed "exemplary" in the late sixteenth century, and "exemplariness" arose later as a regular abstract derivative. It shares its root with "example," "exemplar," and "exemplify."
Related word forms
How exemplariness is actually used
A formal, abstract noun used mainly in elevated or evaluative writing, such as citations, reviews, and moral commentary. It is uncountable and considerably rarer than the adjective "exemplary," so it can sound bookish in everyday speech.
Easily confused with exemplariness
"Exemplary" is an adjective describing someone or something worthy of imitation, while "exemplariness" is the abstract noun naming that quality itself.