example

American  

[ig-zam-puhl, -zahm-] / ɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm- /

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.

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verb (used with object)

exampled, exampling

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

example British  

/ 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

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verb

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

example Idioms  

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

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Related Words

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.

Etymology

Origin of example

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

Example Sentences

This refers to the ability to apply learned skills beyond the exact situations encountered during training, using general rules rather than memorized examples.

From Science Daily

He announced the offer "of peace and love" on his website, where he added that he hoped "other organisations will follow in the spirit of our example."

From BBC

In recent days, for example, Bovino has publicly sparred with lawmakers from both parties who expressed concern about his operations in Minneapolis.

From BBC

"History features few examples where so much was achieved at so little cost."

From Barron's

One professional, Isaac Rose-Berman, gives an example of his methods: He saw that left-handed servers in tennis, more often than not, win a point against right-handed opponents with weak backhands.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

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