epitomizes

Epitomizes is the third-person singular present tense of the verb epitomize. It means to be a perfect example or representation of a quality, idea, or group; to typify or embody.

The term derives from epitome, a noun meaning a representative or model. The noun itself comes from Greek epitomē, often related to the idea of a summary or abridgment, and its contemporary sense has expanded to denote something that personifies a defining characteristic.

In usage, epitomizes is commonly employed to describe people, movements, works of art, events, or institutions that exemplify a defining trait or period. It is used in analytical writing and journalism to signal that something serves as a quintessential illustration of a broader concept, often with evaluative nuance.

Examples include: “Her disciplined routine epitomizes the era’s work ethic.” “The novel epitomizes the social tensions of the time.” “The athlete’s perseverance epitomizes the team’s culture.” While frequently positive, the term can also be used neutrally or critically to note that something embodies a typical or extreme form of a quality.

See also: epitome, epitomize, typify, embodiment.