example

[ig-zam-puhl, -zahm-]

noun

1. one of a number of things, or a part of something, taken to show the character of the whole.

   This painting is an example of his early work.

   Synonyms: specimen, sample

2. a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided.

   to set a good example.

   Synonyms: lead, precedent, template, standard, pattern, paradigm, model, ideal, exemplar

3. an instance serving for illustration; a representative case.

   The case histories gave carefully detailed examples of this disease.

   Synonyms: representative, prototype, instance, illustration, exemplification, exemplar, case

4. an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.

5. an instance, especially of punishment, serving as a warning to others.

   Public executions were meant to be examples to the populace.

6. a precedent; parallel case.

   an action without example.

verb (used with object)

exampled, exampling 

1. Rare.,  to give or be an example of; exemplify (used in the passive).

example

/ ɪɡˈzɑːmpəl /

noun

1. a specimen or instance that is typical of the group or set of which it forms part; sample

2. a person, action, thing, etc, that is worthy of imitation; pattern

   you must set an example to the younger children

3. a precedent, illustration of a principle, or model

   an example in a maths book

4. a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warning

   the headmaster made an example of him

5. as an illustration; for instance

verb

1. (tr; now usually passive) to present an example of; exemplify

Word History and Origins

Origin of example¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English exa(u)mple, from Middle French example, from Latin exemplum, akin to eximere “to take out,” from ex- ex- ¹ + emere “to buy,” originally “to take”; replacing Middle English exemple, from Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of example¹

C14: from Old French, from Latin exemplum pattern, from eximere to take out, from _ex- ¹ + emere to purchase

Idioms and Phrases

see for example; make an example of; set an example.

Synonym Study

Example, sample, specimen refer to an individual phenomenon taken as representative of a type, or to a part representative of the whole. Example is used of an object, condition, etc., that is assumed to illustrate a certain principle or standard: a good example of baroque architecture. Sample refers to a small portion of a substance or to a single representative of a group or type that is intended to show what the rest of the substance or the group is like: a sample of yarn. Specimen usually suggests that the “sample” chosen is intended to serve a scientific or technical purpose: a blood specimen; zoological specimens. See ideal. See case ¹.

Example Sentences

He ludicrously heralded the deal as an example of his “get stuff done” motto.

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Regional automotive dealers and fleet operators, for example, inform our curriculum, donate equipment, offer paid internships and give us honest feedback about their new employees: our graduates.

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Many European countries—Germany, for example—were nations before they became states.

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These Americans had a strong sense of what they enjoyed — for example: comfort, predictability, living where they wanted to live — and were willing to prioritize these factors even if it meant compromising in other areas.

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These Americans had a strong sense of what they enjoyed — for example: comfort, predictability, living where they wanted to live — and were willing to prioritize these factors even if it meant compromising in other areas.

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Related Words

• case 
• illustration 
• lesson 
• object 
• part 
• pattern 
• precedent 
• symbol