Standard Lemma guide

typify

verb · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Received-Pronunciation, US: /ˈtɪpɪfaɪ/
  • US: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.
  • CMU ARPABET: T IH1 P AH0 F AY2 Digits mark lexical stress: 1 primary, 2 secondary, 0 unstressed.

1

verb

Meaning 1

To embody, exemplify; to represent by a form, image, model, or resemblance.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • His attitude typifies the attitude of young people today.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To portray stereotypically.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Examples

  • The angry captain typified all new sailors as incompetent.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

To serve as a typical or reference specimen of.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: transitive

Topics: sciences

Examples

  • The chosen specimen typifies plants belonging to that species.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

verb

Meaning 4

express indirectly by an image, form, or model; be a symbol

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • What does the Statue of Liberty symbolize?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: symbolize, symbolise, stand for, represent

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: mean, intend

Narrower terms: embody, be, personify, typify, epitomize, epitomise

5

verb

Meaning 5

embody the essential characteristics of or be a typical example of

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • The fugue typifies Bach's style of composition

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: epitomize, epitomise

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: typify, symbolize, symbolise, stand for, represent

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: представям (predstavjam) — to embody, exemplify
  • Bulgarian: служа за образец (služa za obrazec) — to embody, exemplify
  • Portuguese: tipificar — to embody, exemplify
  • Russian: служи́ть типи́чным приме́ром (služítʹ tipíčnym primérom) — to embody, exemplify
  • Spanish: tipificar — to embody, exemplify