The word "epitomise" (IPA: ɪˈpɪtəmaɪz) is spelled with the letters E-P-I-T-O-M-I-S-E. The IPA phonetic transcription can help one to understand the pronunciation of the word. The first sound, /ɪ/, is a short vowel sound in the English language. The next sound, /p/, is the voiceless bilabial stop sound. The third sound, /t/, is the voiceless alveolar stop sound. The fourth sound, /ə/, is a schwa sound, which is a neutral vowel sound. The rest of the sounds in the word include the voiceless bilabial fricative sound /m/, the voiced alveolar fricative sound /z/, and the silent letter /e/.
Epitomise: verb
To epitomise is to serve as the perfect or most typical example of something. It is an act of representing or embodying the essence, qualities, or characteristics of a particular concept, idea, or phenomenon. When something epitomises a certain concept, it encapsulates and exemplifies it effectively, allowing others to easily recognize and understand the defining features or traits of that particular concept.
In essence, to epitomise is to distill a larger, more complex notion into a concise and easily understandable form. It involves capturing the essence of something and presenting it in a way that highlights its most representative or dominant aspects. By doing so, it becomes a benchmark or reference point against which other similar things can be compared or evaluated.
The concept of epitomising can be applied to various domains, such as literature, art, fashion, and character traits, among others. For instance, a masterpiece painting might epitomise the creativity and genius of a particular artist, while a courageous act by an individual could epitomise bravery or heroism.
Overall, the term epitomise embodies the idea of condensing, representing, and showcasing the core and defining qualities of a specific concept, thereby allowing others to easily grasp and recognize those unique characteristics.
To reduce a work to a small compass; to shorten or abridge by giving the principal matter.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "epitomise" derives from the Greek word "epitomē", consisting of "epi" meaning "upon" and "tomē" meaning "a cutting". It originally referred to the act of cutting something short, specifically referring to a summary or concise representation of a larger work. Over time, the term evolved and adapted into English as "epitomize" in the early 17th century, maintaining its meaning of representing the essence or summarizing something.