late 14c., "original model of the universe in the mind of God," later (mid-15c.) "model of virtue," from Old French exemplaire (14c.) and directly from Late Latin exemplarium, from Latin exemplum "a copy, pattern, model" (see example). Related: Exemplarily.
an exemplar of success
executioner
executive
executor
exegesis
exegete
exemplar
exemplary
exemplification
exemplify
exempt
exemption