Word of the day: Exemplar

Exemplar

[ig-ZEM-plahr]

Part of speech: noun

Origin: Old French, 14th century

A person or thing serving as a typical example or excellent model.

Examples of exemplar in a sentence

"Journey’s hit single “Don’t Stop Believin’” is an exemplar of the 1980s rock anthem."

"The “Impossible Burger” is an exemplar of a vegetarian product aimed at traditional meat eaters."

About Exemplar

“Exemplar” is based on the Old French “exemplaire,” meaning “copy” or “facsimile.” That word was based on the Latin “exemplar,” meaning “pattern” or “model.”

Did you Know?

In its earliest form, “exemplar” referred to a model, pattern, or prototype from which other things could be built. It also referred to the original form of a text from which copies could be made. Within 100 years of the word’s entry into English in the 14th century, however, “exemplar” also came to mean “a strong example” of something, or an example that proves something. The modern definition of the word is based on this later definition. An exemplar is a person or thing standing as a typical example or an excellent model.