exemplification

Meanings

1. 1noununcountableformal

   The use of a specific case or instance to make a general idea clearer.

   Grammar: Typically a mass noun in writing advice: use exemplification to support a claim.

   Patterns

   • exemplification of something
   • by way of exemplification

   The essay relied on exemplification, using three short stories to explain its argument.

   Good exemplification makes an abstract point easy to picture.

   The teacher asked for more exemplification in our written explanations.

2. 2nouncountableformal

   A person or thing that perfectly shows a particular quality or idea.

   Grammar: Often followed by of: an exemplification of courage.

   Patterns

   • an exemplification of something
   • a perfect exemplification of something

   The old lighthouse keeper was an exemplification of patience.

   This building is a fine exemplification of the architect's early style.

   Her career stands as an exemplification of what hard work can achieve.

Word forms

Common combinations

a clear exemplification of

The garden is a clear exemplification of careful planning.

by way of exemplification

By way of exemplification, consider how bees share food.

use exemplification

Writers often use exemplification to back up a thesis.

a perfect exemplification

His calm reply was a perfect exemplification of good manners.

Synonyms and how they differ

illustration

Illustration is the everyday equivalent and can also mean a picture, while exemplification is more formal and strictly about examples.

demonstration

Demonstration suggests actively showing or proving something, whereas exemplification just provides a representative case.

embodiment

Embodiment says someone or something is the living form of a quality, a stronger claim than being one example of it.

Word family

exemplify verb

to be or give a typical example of

example noun

a case that shows a general rule

exemplary adjective

worth copying as a model

exemplar noun

an ideal model or typical sample

Commonly confused: exemplification or exemplary?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “exemplification”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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