exemplar

An exemplar is a person or thing that stands out as a strong example of something. Think of a painter whose work other artists study and try to copy; that painter can be an exemplar of artistic skill. Or imagine a student who works hard, does well, and sets a good example for the class; that student can be an exemplar of academic success. The word comes from Latin and originally meant a pattern or model to copy. Today, it usually points to something that clearly shows a quality in a way others can learn from or follow. You might say a charity is an exemplar of good leadership, or that Nelson Mandela was an exemplar of courage and forgiveness.

The word "exemplar" refers to a person or thing that serves as a model, pattern, or especially clear example. It often suggests something admirable and worth learning from, but it does not always have to mean the single best or perfect case.

Historically, the term was used in work with manuscripts to describe an original text or a copy used as the basis for another copy. That older sense of a source or pattern helps explain the modern meaning. An exemplar is something that shows others what a certain quality, style, or standard looks like in practice.

You'll often encounter "exemplar" in contexts where standards are being discussed or examples are being highlighted. A company might point to a successful project as an "exemplar of innovation," meaning it shows the kind of work other teams should aim for. In education, a teacher might describe a piece of writing as an exemplar because it shows students what strong work looks like.

The word often carries a sense of respect. It suggests more than just any example; it usually means one that is especially clear, strong, or worthy of attention. While "model" or "example" can overlap with it, "exemplar" often sounds more formal and more focused on something that others may follow.

So, when you encounter the word "exemplar," think of a model worth noticing: a person, object, or piece of work that shows a quality so clearly that it helps others understand it, learn from it, or aim for it.