The clearest embodiment or most concentrated expression of a quality.
Reach for it when calling something the defining example of what a quality looks like
For him, the shared harvest was the quintessence of community spirit.
| everyday | |
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| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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everyday
essence
Fits when the defining nature matters more than an example
Careful Essence may be an abstract core rather than a visible instance.
warm
Fits when the example represents the desired standard
Careful An ideal can be imagined and never realized.
professional
archetype
Fits when a model pattern recurs across many examples
Careful Archetype stresses original pattern, not concentrated excellence.
formal
apotheosis
Fits when the highest possible development suits elevated criticism
Careful Apotheosis is very grand and unfamiliar to many readers.
formal
embodiment
Fits when an abstract quality is made visible in one example
Careful Embodiment need not be the finest or purest example.
literary
epitome
Fits when the most typical example deserves compact emphasis
Careful Epitome can be positive or negative and may sound grand.
quintessence of kindness
Her unadvertised help was the quintessence of kindness.
very quintessence
The tiny courtyard is the very quintessence of the old neighborhood.
quintessence of summer
Ripe peaches became the quintessence of summer at the market.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Paul2520, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated
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