exemplary

the word 'exemplary' originates from the latin 'exemplaris', which itself derives from 'exemplum', meaning 'a sample, pattern, or model'. the root 'exemplum' is thought to come from 'eximere', meaning 'to take out, remove', suggesting the idea of something taken out as a representative specimen. the suffix '-ary' was added to form an adjective, a process adopted into middle english via old french. thus, the literal sense 'pertaining to a model' evolved into its modern meanings of being commendably typical or serving as a deterrent example.

Structure: exempl (example) + ary (adjective suffix) exempl (from latin 'exemplum', meaning 'sample, model, pattern'); ary (from latin '-aris', an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'pertaining to, connected with').