Basic Details
Word: Exemplary
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: So good that others should copy it; a perfect example. An exemplary punishment is one meant to warn others.
Synonyms: model, ideal, admirable, commendable
Antonyms: disgraceful, shameful
How to Spell Exemplary
Syllables: ex - em - pla - ry
Tricky part: Example has an a after x, but exemplary has an e: ex-em. The ending is ary, not ery or ory.
Watch out for: examplary, exemplery, exemplory
Memory tip: Exemplary sets an example, but it begins exem, not exam. Say to yourself: an exemplary student is not afraid of an exam.
Usage Examples
Example 1: The principal praised Kabir for his exemplary behaviour on the trip.
Example 2: The nurse showed exemplary courage during the floods.
Example 3: Her notes are so neat that the teacher calls them exemplary.
Fun Fact
Exemplar, a close cousin of the word, means a perfect model or typical example; both come from Latin exemplum, a sample.
Practise the CREST Way
Word Connection
Choose the antonym of the word exemplary as used in the sentence:
The volunteers' exemplary work during the cyclone was praised by the collector.
a) admirable
b) disgraceful
c) commendable
d) ideal
Show answer
b) disgraceful. Work that brings shame is disgraceful; exemplary work is held up for others to copy.
Word Cookie
Insert the correct letters to form a word:
ex_mpl_r_
a) e, e, y
b) e, a, y
c) e, o, y
d) a, a, y
Show answer
b) e, a, y. It is ex-em-pla-ry: e after x, then a before ry.
Spell-o-Spell
Only one word in the list is spelt correctly. Choose the meaning of that word.
1. compulsary 2. exemplary 3. temporery 4. voluntery
a) so good that it serves as a model for others
b) required by a rule or law
c) lasting for a short time only
d) done by choice, without being forced
Show answer
a) so good that it serves as a model for others. Compulsory ends ory, while temporary and voluntary end ary; exemplary is the word spelt right.
Multiple Choice Questions
1. An exemplary citizen is one who ____.
a) never votes
b) has just moved to the city
c) often breaks rules
d) sets a good example for others
Show answer
d) sets a good example for others
2. Exemplary is related to which everyday word?
a) exit
b) exam
c) example
d) exempt
Show answer
c) example
