exemplary
/ɪɡˈzem.plər.i/- 1.
So good that it is worth copying or following. If someone's behavior or work is exemplary, it sets a standard for others to match.
- Her exemplary work ethic inspired the whole team.
- The new employee showed exemplary conduct from day one.
- The hotel is known for its exemplary customer service.
- 2.
Intended to serve as a strong warning to others. Used mainly in legal contexts, such as 'exemplary damages' or 'exemplary punishment,' meaning a penalty that is meant to discourage similar behavior.
- The court awarded exemplary damages to send a clear message.
- The judge imposed an exemplary sentence to deter future crimes.
Adinary Nuance
Exemplary is close to outstanding, exceptional, and model, but it carries a specific extra meaning: not just "very good" but "good in a way others should copy." You say someone has outstanding results to praise their numbers; you say their conduct is exemplary to praise the quality of how they behaved — the moral, professional, or social standard they set. Model works similarly (a "model employee"), but it functions more often as a noun or modifier, while exemplary is purely an adjective and sounds more formal and deliberate. In business writing, exemplary is the preferred word when describing conduct, service, or leadership that management wants to hold up as a benchmark for the rest of the team.
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- mẫu mực
- Spanish
- ejemplar
- Chinese
- 模范
- Japanese
- 模範的
- Korean
- 모범적
Etymology
From Latin "exemplaris," meaning "serving as an example," derived from "exemplum" (example). The word entered English in the late 16th century and has carried both a positive (worthy of imitation) and cautionary (serving as a warning) sense ever since.
Common phrases
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- What is the difference between 'exemplary' and 'outstanding'?
- 'Outstanding' means far above average — it focuses on results or achievement. 'Exemplary' means worthy of being copied — it focuses on the quality of behavior or conduct. A salesperson can have outstanding numbers but exemplary professionalism; both are positive, but they highlight different things.
- Is 'exemplary' a formal word? Can I use it in everyday conversation?
- Yes, 'exemplary' is a formal word. It is common in business emails, performance reviews, and official reports. In casual speech, most people would say 'amazing,' 'brilliant,' or 'model' instead. Using 'exemplary' in everyday talk is fine but can sound slightly stiff.
- Can 'exemplary' be negative?
- Usually 'exemplary' is positive. However, in law, 'exemplary damages' or 'exemplary punishment' means a very harsh penalty designed to warn others — this is a neutral-to-negative legal sense. Outside legal contexts, treat 'exemplary' as a compliment.
- How do I use 'exemplary' in a performance review?
- You can write: 'She demonstrated exemplary leadership throughout the project' or 'His exemplary attention to detail improved our delivery quality.' It is a strong, professional-sounding word that works well in appraisals and recommendation letters.