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

It does not apply to persons who are not subject to US jurisdiction -- foreign diplomats, for example, and sovereign Native American tribes.

From Barron's

But the eternal optimist said he draws strength from the example set by Glover: "He's a natural American hero, in my opinion."

From Barron's

At Isfahan, for example, satellite imagery from February indicated all entrances to its tunnel complex appeared to be sealed off with earth, which would make any operation more difficult.

From BBC

There are some exemptions and discounts, for example for someone living alone and homes occupied only by students, which helps lower the cost for some.

From BBC

In the late 1990s, for example, Congress was considering amending the Fed’s mandate exclusively to price stability through the introduction of the Economic Growth and Price Stability Act.

From Barron's

Related Words

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