Exemplarity

/ˌɛɡzɛmˈplæɹɪti/ noun

Definition

The quality of being exemplary or serving as an example; the characteristic of being worthy of imitation or providing a worthy model.

Etymology

From 'exemplary' plus the noun suffix '-ity.' This Latin-derived abstract noun form allows discussion of the abstract quality itself rather than just concrete examples.

Kelly Says

Medieval philosophers debated the 'exemplarity' of different virtues—which was the most perfect example of courage or justice?—because they believed understanding the ideal was the key to living well.

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