Epitomize
/ɪˈpɪtəˌmaɪz/noun
To summarize or represent the essential qualities of something.
Did you know?Epitomize comes from Greek epitomē, a “cutting” or “abridgment,” from epi- (“upon”) + temnein (“to cut”), so the word’s ancient core is literally about slicing a text down to what remains.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
epitomē
“An abridgment or summary; literally a “cutting down.””
Ancient Greek
Greek
epitemnein
“To cut upon or cut short; to abridge.”
Late Latin
Latin
epitomāre
“To make an abridgment, summarize.”
Middle English
English
epitomisen
“To shorten or summarize in writing.”
Modern English
English
epitomize
“To summarize or embody the essential features of something.”
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