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example Definition

ex·am·ple (eg zam′pəl, ig-; --zäm-)

noun

  1. something selected to show the nature or character of the rest; single part or unit used as a sample; typical instance
  2. a case, punishment, etc. that serves as a warning or caution to fine a speeder as an example to others
  3. a person or thing to be imitated; model; pattern; precedent
  4. a problem, as in mathematics, designed to illustrate a principle or method

Etymology: ME < OFr example, essample < L exemplum, sample, example < eximere, to take out < ex-, out + emere, to buy < IE base *em-, to take > Lith imù

transitive verb -·pled, -·pling

to exemplify: obs., except in the passive

example Idioms

for example

as an example; by way of illustration

set an example

to behave so as to be a pattern or model for others to imitate

example Synonyms

example

n.

  1. A representative

    illustration, case, instance, representative, specimen, part, warning, exemplar, exemplification, sample, citation, case in point, concrete example, pattern, model, object lesson, exempli gratia (Latin), prototype, archetype, stereotype, original, copy, symbol, quotation, exponent, for instance*.

  2. Something to be imitated

    standard, pattern, model, precedent; see model 2.

example is applied to something that is cited as typical of the members of its group his novel is an example of romantic literature; instance refers to a person, thing, or event that is adduced to prove or support a general statement here is an instance of his sincerity; case is applied to any happening or condition that demonstrates the general existence or occurrence of something a case of mistaken identity; illustration is used of an instance or example that helps to explain or clarify something this sentence is an illustration of the use of a word See also syn. study at model.

set an example

instruct, behave as a model, set a pattern, lead the way; see lead 1, teach 1.

without example

unprecedented, novel, new and different; see unique 1, unprecedented.

example Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • practice: There are many examples of good practice being carried out by them on a daily basis.
  • architecture: Weir Hall, Silver Street The original building, opened in 1938, was a striking example of library architecture of the nineteen-thirties.
  • type: The following are examples of the various types of groups.
  • kind: St. Peter's is believed to be the only surviving example of this kind of construction left in the country.
  • genre: However, this is only one, startling, example of the genre.
  • latter: An example of the latter is the specific knowledge attribute, used for holding subordinate and cross references.

Converse of object

  • cite: We can cite numerous examples throughout history in connection with this topic.
  • give: NSPCC: The social baby project video Let me give an example from my work.
  • follow: If you have ever been tempted to believe what you are told then consider some of the following examples.
  • shine: A shining example for all of humanity she is super awesome.
  • set: Show Them How Jamie is a highly visible leader who sets a great example to his team.
  • see: To see the next example, use the ' page down ' button.

Adjective modifier

  • prime: You just had to choose your favorite marque and there would be prime examples parked up across the circuit.
  • typical: A typical example of this condition of anxiety hysteria is seen in the case of a man who suffered from 'writers ' cramp ' .
  • fine: Wymondham in Norfolk has a fine example of a market house.
  • classic: Physics is a classic example of complexity in studies.
  • above: The above example looks like this when rendered in a browser.
  • excellent: An excellent example is at Rey Cross near Bowes in County Durham.

Modifies a noun

sentence: You can hear an example sentence spoken by clicking once on the sentence.

Noun used with modifier

case: In all cases examples are given for both the humanities style and the scientific style.

Browse dictionary entries near example

  1. ‹ examiner
  2. ‹ examinee
  3. ‹ examined
  4. ‹ examine
  5. ‹ examinatorial
  6. ‹ examination
  7. ‹ examen
  8. ‹ exam
  9. ‹ exalted
  10. ‹ exaltation
  1. exanimate ›
  2. exanthem ›
  3. exarch ›
  4. exarchate ›
  5. exasperate ›
  6. exasperation ›
  7. exc ›
  8. Excalibur ›
  9. excavate ›
  10. excavation ›