example
ihg-ZAHM-puhl
Example (noun) means a single case that represents or stands in for a whole group of similar things. Example: “This vase is a fine example of eighteenth-century craftsmanship.”
noun
1
A single case that represents or stands in for a whole group of similar things.
"This vase is a fine example of eighteenth-century craftsmanship."
"Cheddar is a well-known example of a British hard cheese."
"A dolphin is an example of a mammal that lives in the sea."
2
Something used to explain or illustrate a rule or idea.
"The teacher worked through an example before setting the homework."
"Can you give me an example of how to use this word?"
"The manual includes an example showing how to fill in each box."
3
A model of behaviour that others should — or shouldn't — copy.
"She set a good example by always arriving early."
"His laziness was held up as a bad example to the rest of the team."
"Older pupils should set an example for the younger ones in the playground."
How to use example
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA single case that shows what a whole group is like, or a model of behaviour to follow.
Easily confused with
Common pairings
for example
set an example
a prime example
lead by example
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Word forms
- Plural
- examples
- Third person singular
- examples
- Past tense
- exampled
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
This vase is a fine _____ of eighteenth-century craftsmanship.
Etymology
From Old French essaumple, from Latin exemplum, "a sample or model taken out" — a doublet of "sample."
Synonyms
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instance
illustration
case
sample
specimen
model
case in point
byspel
exemplar
exemplificator
exemplum
e.g.
Related words
Rhymes for example
See all rhymes for example →Frequently asked questions
What does “example” mean?
The word “example” means a single case that represents or stands in for a whole group of similar things. In plain terms, a single case that shows what a whole group is like, or a model of behaviour to follow.
How do you pronounce “example”?
“Example” is pronounced ihg-ZAHM-puhl (/ɪɡˈzæm.pəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “example” in a sentence?
Here is “example” used in a sentence: “This vase is a fine example of eighteenth-century craftsmanship.”
What is another word for “example”?
Words with a similar meaning to “example” include byspel, exemplar, exemplificator, exemplum and e.g..
What part of speech is “example”?
“Example” is a noun.
Where does the word “example” come from?
The word “example” comes from Latin. From Old French essaumple, from Latin exemplum, "a sample or model taken out" — a doublet of "sample.".
Is “example” a common word?
“Example” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.
How many meanings does “example” have?
“Example” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a single case that represents or stands in for a whole group of similar things.
What is the difference between an example and a sample?
An example is one case chosen to illustrate or explain a general point — 'an example of good manners.' A sample is a small part taken from a larger whole to show what it is like, such as a food sample. Examples teach or clarify; samples represent the quantity or quality of the whole.
What does it mean to make an example of someone?
To make an example of someone means to punish them publicly so that others are warned off the same behaviour. Here example carries the sense of a lesson or a warning rather than a helpful illustration. It is a much older use, emphasising deterrence rather than explanation.
What is the difference between an example and an instance?
The words overlap closely. An instance is simply one occurrence of something — a single time it happens. An example is an instance deliberately picked out to illustrate a wider point. Every example is an instance, but an instance only becomes an example when it is used to explain or represent.
Why are examples important?
Examples turn abstract ideas into something concrete and easy to grasp. By showing a general rule in a single clear case, they help people understand, remember, and apply what they have learned. Good teaching, writing, and argument all rely on well-chosen examples to make points vivid and convincing.
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