Epitome

Noun

Definition: A person or thing that is a perfect example of a particular quality or type, a typical model.

Synonyms: Embodiment, Exemplar, Quintessence

Antonyms: Atypical, Anomaly

Examples:

She is the epitome of grace and elegance.
His actions are the epitome of kindness.

Mnemonics:

"Epi" sounds like "epic," which means grand or legendary. An epitome is a grand representation or model.

Etymology:

Origin:

Late Middle English (in the sense 'summary'): via Latin from Greek epitomē 'abridgment', from epitemnein 'abridge', from epi 'upon' + temnein 'to cut'.

Historical Usage:

The word originally referred to a summary or abridgement, but later came to mean a representative example.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"The epitome of something"

Explanation:

Used to describe someone or something as the perfect example or embodiment of a particular quality or type.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Confusing "epitome" with "epiphany."

Explanation:

"Epitome" refers to a perfect example or model, whereas "epiphany" refers to a sudden realization or understanding. These words have different meanings and should not be used interchangeably.