Exemplar
n.capable, thoughtfulformal
What it means
A person or thing worthy of imitation as an excellent model.
Reach for it when praising a concrete example others can learn from
The restored station is an exemplar of thoughtful public design.
Choose between these
7- playful
poster child
when one case publicly symbolizes a trend
not when The idiom turns a person into a symbol and often carries irony.
- everyday
prime example
when a clear representative case is meant
not when A prime example can illustrate something negative.
- warm
when a person's conduct guides other people
not when Role model applies only to people and can burden them with perfection.
- professional
benchmark
when performance sets a comparison standard
not when A benchmark measures rather than necessarily merits imitation.
- professional
when a pattern can be copied or studied
not when Model is broad and can represent something without being excellent.
- formal
when a conceptual standard rather than a real instance matters
not when An ideal may be unattainable, while an exemplar exists.
- literary
when near-perfect excellence deserves elevated praise
not when Paragon is stronger and can idealize a person unrealistically.
Said against
4- counterexample
- warning
- failure
- disgrace
It naturally appears in
3- exemplar of excellence
The workshop became an exemplar of excellence in repair training.
- serve as an exemplar
The pilot could serve as an exemplar for other districts.
- moral exemplar
The biography treats her as a moral exemplar without hiding mistakes.