Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day – "Epitome"

Date: September 1, 2025
Host: Peter Sokolowski
Podcast: Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day

Overview

This episode focuses on the word "epitome," exploring its meaning, usage, and etymological roots. Host Peter Sokolowski provides a concise yet insightful explanation, complete with examples and historical context.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

What Does "Epitome" Mean?

• Definition:
  • Peter Sokolowski [00:44]: "Epitome is a noun. It means a perfect example. It's usually used in the phrase the epitome of as in the epitome of elegance."
  • The episode emphasizes that "epitome" typically refers to someone or something that is the ideal or quintessential example of a quality or type.

Usage in Context

• Example Sentence from Marie Claire:
  • Peter Sokolowski [00:59]:

    "The image of Diana standing on a polo field in a white British Lung foundation sweatshirt is one of the most iconic images of the late princess. Dressed in jeans, a baseball cap, cowboy boots, and a blazer over the logo crew neck, Princess Diana, who served as patron of the foundation, looked the epitome of 80s cool."

  • This illustrates how "epitome" can be used to describe someone perfectly embodying a style or era.

Etymology and History

• Origin:

  • Peter Sokolowski [01:34]:

    "The word epitome first appeared in print in the early 16th century when it was used to mean style summary."

  • The root meaning involves cutting something short or summarizing, from the Greek "epitemnion."

• Evolution of Meaning:

  • Peter Sokolowski [01:41]:

    "If someone asks you to summarize a long paper, you effectively cut it up, mentioning only the most important ideas. The etymology of epitome reflects this process. It comes from the Greek epitemnion, meaning to cut short."

  • The word shifted from meaning "summary" to "perfect example" over time.
  • Peter Sokolowski [01:57]:

    "Your summary probably also presents all the key points of the original work, which may explain why epitome eventually came to be used for any person or object that is a clear or good example of an abstraction, as in the epitome of grace or the epitome of health."

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Definition & Usage:

  • "Epitome is a noun. It means a perfect example. It's usually used in the phrase the epitome of as in the epitome of elegance."
    —Peter Sokolowski [00:44]

• Pop Culture Example:

  • "Princess Diana...looked the epitome of 80s cool."
    —Peter Sokolowski quoting Marie Claire [00:59]

• Word Origin:

  • "It comes from the Greek epitemnion, meaning to cut short."
    —Peter Sokolowski [01:41]

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 00:44 – Introduction of the word "epitome" and its definition
• 00:59 – Example usage referencing Princess Diana
• 01:34 – Historical context: first use in the 16th century
• 01:41 – Etymology: Greek origins and meaning
• 01:57 – How the meaning evolved from “summary” to “perfect example”

Tone and Style

Peter Sokolowski maintains a clear, educational, and approachable tone throughout, making the episode both informative and easy to follow.

Summary

This episode offers a thorough look at the word "epitome," explaining its definition, usage in everyday language and pop culture, and its etymological journey from meaning "summary" to embodying "the perfect example" of something. The podcast is concise and accessible, making it ideal for anyone looking to enrich their vocabulary or understand English words more deeply.