example
- 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.
- a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided: to set a good example.
- an instance serving for illustration; specimen: The case histories gave carefully detailed examples of this disease.
- an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.
- an instance, especially of punishment, serving as a warning to others: Public executions were meant to be examples to the populace.
- a precedent; parallel case: an action without example.
- Rare. to give or be an example of; exemplify (used in the passive).
Origin of example
Synonym study
Related Words for example
case, pattern, symbol, object, illustration, part, lesson, precedent, prototype, copy, stereotype, specimen, citation, paragon, standard, sample, excuse, ideal, exemplar, representationExamples from the Web for example
Contemporary Examples of example
As an example of good science-and-society policymaking, the history of fluoride may be more of a cautionary tale.
Tend to your own garden, to quote the great sage of free speech, Voltaire, and invite people to follow your example.
With Vice, that was an example of you keeping yourself interested too, right?
‘Archer’ Creator Adam Reed Spills Season 6 Secrets, From Surreal Plotlines to Life Post-ISISMarlow Stern
January 8, 2015
That makes it incredibly difficult to determine the effects of airstrikes, for example.
In 2004, for example, Scalise voted “no” on a resolution to make Martin Luther King Jr.
Historical Examples of example
Politics, for example, would be less entertaining without it.
The SpendersHarry Leon Wilson
Man followed their example and searched until he found an empty grotto.
Ancient ManHendrik Willem van Loon
That one example, moreover, has been a success as unqualified as undeniable.
'Tis Sixty Years SinceCharles Francis Adams
How little has been the effect of this example on the conduct of the enemy!
Following the example of his predecessor, in 1868, Mr. Gladstone resigned.
The Grand Old ManRichard B. Cook
example
- a specimen or instance that is typical of the group or set of which it forms part; sample
- a person, action, thing, etc, that is worthy of imitation; patternyou must set an example to the younger children
- a precedent, illustration of a principle, or modelan example in a maths book
- a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warningthe headmaster made an example of him
- for example as an illustration; for instance
- (tr; now usually passive) to present an example of; exemplify
Word Origin for example
Word Origin and History for example
late 14c., partial re-Latinization of earlier essample, asaumple (mid-13c.), from Old French essemple "sample, model, example, precedent, cautionary tale," from Latin exemplum "a sample," literally "that which is taken out," from eximere "take out, remove" (see exempt (adj.)). Oldest English senses are of "behavior" and "punishment."
Idioms and Phrases with example
example
see for example; make an example of; set an example.