Definition: serving as a worthy model or pattern; commendable
Synonyms: excellent, honorable, laudable, meritorious, praiseworthy
Quotes:
• Excellence is a better teacher than mediocrity. The lessons of the ordinary are everywhere. Truly profound and original insights are to be found only in studying the exemplary. — Warren Gamaliel Bennis (1925–2014) American scholar & consultant
• The most efficacious way of making a difference is to lead by example, and doing random acts of kindness is setting a very good example of how to behave in the world. — Dmitri “Misha” Collins [born: Dmitri Tippens Krushnic] (1974-) American actor
Comment: Everyone is an example of some aspect of reality. But to be an outstanding example, they must have been very good at what they tried to do, thus becoming that very thing.
Observation: A person who is an excellent example of something can be described as ‘top-notch’ or ‘top shelf’.