Quintessential
What it means
Representing the clearest or most characteristic example of a type.
Reach for it when identifying a defining example that captures the whole category
The small public square is a quintessential gathering place.
Words to choose between 6
| playful | |
|---|---|
| everyday | |
| warm | |
| professional | |
| formal | |
| literary |
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playful
Fits when the example is instantly recognizable and culturally prominent
Careful Iconic concerns fame and image, not accurate representation.
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everyday
Fits when a widely recognized example is meant
Careful Classic may mean enduringly admired rather than most typical.
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warm
Fits when the example deserves imitation for its quality
Careful Exemplary is evaluative; quintessential may merely be representative.
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professional
Fits when the example sets an authoritative standard
Careful Definitive implies final authority beyond typicality.
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formal
archetypal
Fits when the example follows a foundational pattern
Careful Archetypal can sound theoretical and need not be excellent.
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formal
characteristic
Fits when a feature normally marks the type
Careful Characteristic is measured and less emphatic.
Opposites 3
- atypical
- unrepresentative
- anomalous
Common phrases 3
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quintessential example
The corner cafe is a quintessential example of adaptive reuse.
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quintessential summer day
A quintessential summer day filled the beach with striped umbrellas.
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quintessential host
Mara is the quintessential host, attentive without hovering.
Word family 1
- Quintessentially adv.
Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Wodencafe, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC0 Updated