Exemplariness

/ɪɡˈzɛmpləɹɪnəs/ noun

Definition

The quality or state of being exemplary; the characteristic of serving as a worthy example or model for others.

Etymology

From 'exemplary' plus the noun-forming suffix '-ness.' This abstract noun allows discussion of the abstract quality that makes something worth imitating.

Kelly Says

The 'exemplariness' of a historical figure often gets rewritten—we elevate certain people as perfect models, then later discover they were complicated or flawed, which says more about us than about them.

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.