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EXEMPLARY
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Dictionary entry overview: What does exemplary mean?
• EXEMPLARY (adjective)
The adjective EXEMPLARY has 3 senses:
1. worthy of imitation
2. being or serving as an illustration of a type
3. serving to warn
Familiarity information: EXEMPLARY used as an adjective is uncommon.
Dictionary entry details
Sense 1
Meaning:
Worthy of imitation
Synonyms:
exemplary; model
Context example:
model citizens
Similar:
worthy (having worth or merit or value; being honorable or admirable)
Derivation:
example; exemplar (something to be imitated)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Being or serving as an illustration of a type
Synonyms:
emblematic; exemplary; typic
Context example:
an action exemplary of his conduct
Similar:
typical (exhibiting the qualities or characteristics that identify a group or kind or category)
Derivation:
example (an item of information that is typical of a class or group)
Sense 3
Meaning:
Serving to warn
Synonyms:
admonitory; cautionary; exemplary; monitory; warning
Context example:
an exemplary jail sentence
Similar:
dissuasive (deterring from action)
Derivation:
example (punishment intended as a warning to others)
Context examples
These she put down upon the table without a word, glaring at me the while with exemplary firmness, and then retired, locking the door after her.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
Jo behaved herself with exemplary propriety, and when Amy was happily surrounded by her guard of honor, Jo circulated about the Hall, picking up various bits of gossip, which enlightened her upon the subject of the Chester change of base.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
I must really congratulate your ladyship, said she, on the play being chosen; for though you have borne it with exemplary patience, I am sure you must be sick of all our noise and difficulties.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
He is an excellent man, most exemplary in every way; and he pointed out to her that she ought, as a Christian, to reconcile herself to the sacrifice (especially as it was so uncertain), and to bear no uncharitable feeling towards me.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
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