The word "epitomize" comes from the Greek word epitemnein, meaning "to cut short" or "abridge".  It is formed from the prefix epi- (meaning "upon" or "in addition to") and the root temnein (meaning "to cut"). The verb was formed in English by adding the suffix -ize to the noun epitome, which itself means a summary or abridgment.  The meaning evolved from "to abridge" or "summarize" to "to embody or typify" something perfectly, as a person or thing can be the "epitome" of an idea.  Early Meaning: The word initially meant to "shorten" or "condense" something.  Later Meaning: By the 1620s, its meaning evolved to "typify" or "embody" a person or thing that serves as a perfect example.

According to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), the verb "epitomize", was first used in English in 1599. The OED cites its earliest evidence from the writings of Edwin Sandys, a politician and colonial entrepreneur. The word was formed within English, derived from the noun epitome with the addition of the suffix -ize. The noun "epitome" is older, first recorded by the OED in 1529. 

Examples of "epitomize" in a sentence: 
"He epitomizes laziness" 
"This student's struggles epitomize the trouble with our schools." 
"Gifts that epitomize the religious beliefs of the family are often given at baptisms." 
"To really epitomize a movie star, you've got to focus on the accessories." 
"Hello Kitty belly rings epitomize this trend toward market focus on non-traditional age groups." 
"With this focus on renewal, Joanna appropriately chose the cherry blossom to epitomize her new business and its philosophy." 
"Most stagings of Sleeping Beauty continue to employ these costumes, which have come to epitomize the look of classical ballet." 

Examples of "epitome" used in a sentence:  
"I pictured her to be the epitome of Southern beauty." 
"The cartoon character Garfield is the epitome of the lazy, food-obsessed cat."
"Coming to us from Greek through Latin, epitome refers to something that is the ultimate representative of its class." 
"Keisha always lends a hand when it's needed/ she is the epitome of helpfulness." 
"They have become the epitome of the little man made good." 
"The wacky has become the epitome of respectability and sanity." 

Just the facts:

EPITOMIZE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

EPITOMIZE Synonyms: 57 Similar and Opposite Words | Merriam-Webster Thesaurus

EPITOMISE Definition & Meaning - Merriam-Webster

@Myr epitomizes perfection in his selection of word of the day for at least as long as I've participated in this blog.