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examples - 2 dictionary results

ex⋅am⋅ple

  [ig-zam-puhl, -zahm-] noun, verb, -pled, -pling.
Use examples 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 examples
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.
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