example

[ig-zam-puh l, -zahm-] /ɪgˈzæm pəl, -ˈzɑm-/

noun

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.

verb (used with object), exampled, exampling.

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

Origin

1350-1400; Middle English exa(u)mple < Middle French example < Latin exemplum, akin to eximere to take out (ex- ex-¹ + emere to buy, orig. take); replacing Middle English exemple < Latin, as above

Synonyms

1. 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. 2. See ideal. 3. See case¹ .

Examples from the web for example

For example, let's say our model student is trying to learn the number of planets in the solar system.
Here's an example that has stuck with me for weeks.
Over the years their country has proved a paragon of good governance and an example to its bigger African brothers.
In Denver, for example, 55% of all residential water is used on landscaping.
Two of his daughters followed his example in their mode of marrying.
Booksellers should include a story or provide an example of their rep's commitment to excellence.
Attendance at the children's opening night dinner, for example, was off by 25%.
Share the following example with the students.
It strikes me as a stellar example of the work of a quirky individualist.
Once, at a breakfast briefing preceding a televised press conference, the President spoke to me of the importance of example.

British Dictionary definitions for example

example

/ɪɡˈzɑːmpəl/

noun

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; pattern: you must set an example to the younger children

a precedent, illustration of a principle, or model: an example in a maths book

a punishment or the recipient of a punishment serving or intended to serve as a warning: the headmaster made an example of him

for example, as an illustration; for instance

verb

(transitive; now usually passive) to present an example of; exemplify

Word Origin

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

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."

example in the Bible

of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).

Idioms and Phrases with example

example

see: