Dictionary
Thesaurus
Reference
Translate
Web
Popular Searches
on Ask.com
Synonyms
Nearby Entries
example - 7 dictionary results

ex⋅am⋅ple

  [ig-zam-puhl, -zahm-] noun, verb, -pled, -pling.
Use example in a Sentence
–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.
2. a pattern or model, as of something to be imitated or avoided: to set a good example.
3. an instance serving for illustration; specimen: The case histories gave carefully detailed examples of this disease.
4. an instance illustrating a rule or method, as a mathematical problem proposed for solution.
5. an instance, esp. 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.
–verb (used with object)
7. Rare. to give or be an example of; exemplify (used in the passive).
Origin:
1350–1400; ME exa(u)mple < MF example < L exemplum, akin to eximere to take out (ex- ex- 1 + emere to buy, orig. take); r. ME exemple < L, 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 case 1 .
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To example
ex·am·ple   (ĭg-zām'pəl)   
n.  
  1. One that is representative of a group as a whole: the squirrel, an example of a rodent; introduced each new word with examples of its use.
  2. One serving as a pattern of a specific kind: set a good example by arriving on time.
  3. A similar case that constitutes a model or precedent: a unique episode, without example in maritime history.
    1. A punishment given as a warning or deterrent.
    2. One that has been given such a punishment: made an example of the offender.
  5. A problem or exercise used to illustrate a principle or method.

[Middle English, from Old French example, essaumple, from Latin exemplum, from eximere, to take out : ex-, ex- + emere, to take; see em- in Indo-European roots.]
Synonyms: These nouns refer to what is representative of or serves to explain a larger group or class. An example is a typically representative part that demonstrates the character of the whole: "Of the despotism to which unrestrained military power leads we have plenty of examples from Alexander to Mao" (Samuel Eliot Morison).
An instance is an example that is cited to prove or to illustrate a point: an instance of flagrant corruption.
A case is an action, an occurrence, or a condition that relates specifically to something being discussed, decided, or treated: a typical case of child neglect.
An illustration clarifies or explains: provided an illustration of the word in context.
A sample is an actual part of something larger, presented as evidence of the quality or nature of the whole: gave us a sample of her temper.
Specimen often denotes an individual, representative member of a group or class: This poem is a fair specimen of her work. See Also Synonyms at ideal.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source

Example

Ex*am"ple\, n. [A later form for ensample, fr. L. exemplum, orig., what is taken out of a larger quantity, as a sample, from eximere to take out. See Exempt, and cf. Ensample, Sample.]

1. One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.

2. That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.

For I have given you an example, that ye should do as ? have done to you. --John xiii. 15.

I gave, thou sayest, the example; I led the way. --Milton.

3. That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.

Such temperate order in so fierce a cause Doth want example. --Shak.

4. That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.

Hang him; he'll be made an example. --Shak.

Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. --1 Cor. x. 6.

5. An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.

Syn: Precedent; case; instance.

Usage: Example, Instance. The discrimination to be made between these two words relates to cases in which we give "instances" or "examples" of things done. An instance denotes the single case then "standing" before us; if there be others like it, the word does not express this fact. On the contrary, an example is one of an entire class of like things, and should be a true representative or sample of that class. Hence, an example proves a rule or regular course of things; an instance simply points out what may be true only in the case presented. A man's life may be filled up with examples of the self-command and kindness which marked his character, and may present only a solitary instance of haste or severity. Hence, the word "example" should never be used to describe what stands singly and alone. We do, however, sometimes apply the word instance to what is really an example, because we are not thinking of the latter under this aspect, but solely as a case which "stands before us." See Precedent.

Example

Ex*am"ple\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Exampled; p. pr. & vb. n. Exampling.] To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance. [Obs.] "I may example my digression by some mighty precedent." --Shak.

Burke devoted himself to this duty with a fervid assiduity that has not often been exampled, and has never been surpassed. --J. Morley.
Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
Cite This Source
Language Translation for : example
Spanish: ejemplo,
German: das Beispiel,
Japanese: 見本
More Translations »

example 
1382, Latin-zed refashioning of earlier essample, from O.Fr. essample, from L. exemplum "a sample," lit. "that which is taken out," from eximere "take out, remove" (see exempt). Oldest Eng. senses are of "behavior" and "punishment."
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
Cite This Source

Example

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).

Easton's 1897 Bible Dictionary
Cite This Source

example

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

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
Cite This Source
Search another word or see example on Thesaurus | Reference