exemplar
UK[ɪɡˈzɛmplə]US[ɪɡˈzɛmplɑːr]
n
A typical example or model that is considered perfect or excellent.
n
A person or thing that serves as a pattern of a particular quality.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
empl
ar
ex
out of, from
empl
ar
Etymology
The word 'exemplar' entered English in the late 14th century via Old French exemplaire, tracing directly back to the Latin exemplarium, meaning "a model, pattern, or original to be copied." This Latin term is derived from exemplum (example), which originates from the verb eximere, meaning "to take out, remove, or select." The literal logic is of something "taken out" (ex-) from a group as a representative specimen. Over time, this concrete notion of a selected sample evolved into the more abstract sense of an ideal model or a perfect standard to be emulated.
Analysis
Structure: ex + empl + ar
- ex: Latin origin, meaning "out of, from". A prefix indicating source or extraction.
- empl: From Latin exemplum (example, sample, copy), itself from eximere (to take out, remove). Represents the core concept of a model or pattern.
- ar: Latin suffix (-aris), forming adjectives and, in this case, a noun denoting an agent or thing associated with the root.
Examples
The ancient text is considered an exemplar of classical prose style.
She is held up as an exemplar of professional integrity.
The museum displayed an exemplar of the first edition of the book.