example
noun (countable)
UKɪɡˈzɑːm.pəlUSɪɡˈzæm.pəl
A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule or principle.
Example Sentences
I'll give you an example to make the concept clearer.
Can you provide another example from the article?
This is just one example of his generosity.
The teacher wrote an example on the board to illustrate the new topic.
He set a fine example with his charitable acts.
Using an example from your personal experience can make your argument more persuasive.
Many young athletes look up to the Olympians as a clear example of dedication, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence in their respective sports.
In historical research, scholars often analyze a single event as an example of broader social, political, or economic trends to gain deeper insights into the complexities of past events.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
A specific case used to clarify or illustrate a broader point.“Example” functions as a noun that references a particular instance or sample providing clarity. You might say, “Let me give you an example,” to highlight a situation or scenario that illustrates your point. In academic writing, it often appears when introducing support or evidence for an argument: “For example, the study shows how data collection methods influence outcomes.” When offering instructions, “example” helps you demonstrate the correct way to do something, e.g., “Follow this example calculation to solve the rest of the problems.” In professional or technical contexts, “example” clarifies procedures or guidelines, showing practical applications rather than theoretical explanations. In day-to-day scenarios, using “example” can quickly get others on the same page—whether you’re teaching someone to bake a cake (“Here’s one example of a simple recipe”) or explaining a game rule. By anchoring abstract ideas in a concrete “example,” you make information more accessible and memorable, ensuring your audience grasps the real-world implications of your point. To maximize impact, pick an example that closely matches your topic, so your listeners or readers see a direct correlation between the explanation and its demonstration. This approach reinforces understanding and encourages others to apply what they’ve learned in similar contexts.
Alternatives
If you want alternatives to “example,” consider “instance,” “case,” “illustration,” or “sample.” “Instance” zeroes in on one particular occurrence within a broader context—like “In one instance, the server crashed due to overload.” “Case” is often used in formal or research contexts, where you describe a specific condition, event, or situation, such as “In this case, the patient exhibited unique symptoms.” “Illustration” has a slightly more demonstrative tone, frequently popping up in lectures, slideshows, or written explanations when you want to guide viewers visually or conceptually, e.g., “A quick illustration will clarify the procedure.” Meanwhile, “sample” carries a more empirical or quantitative nuance, especially when dealing with data or test subjects—“Our study used a sample of 200 participants.” The emphasis in each synonym subtly varies: “instance” underscores singular occurrence, “case” often has a formal vibe, “illustration” conveys a demonstrative purpose, and “sample” suggests a selection from a larger whole. By choosing a term that precisely matches your intent—highlighting one occurrence, clarifying a concept, or referring to a portion of a population—you give your language greater precision while still conveying the idea of demonstrating a broader principle or pattern.
Writing
When writing with “example,” consider how best to showcase the point you’re making. It’s often helpful to introduce or follow up a statement with a transitional phrase like “for example,” “consider,” or “such as.” This signals to readers that you’re about to provide evidence or clarification. Suppose you’re making a claim—“Teams thrive on effective communication.” Following that with a well-chosen example—“For example, a remote team may use video calls and online chat tools daily”—helps ground your argument. In more formal or academic writing, you could say, “This concept is exemplified by Smith’s 2021 case study, which demonstrates how proactive communication practices reduce misinterpretations.” Vary your transitions to keep your text from sounding repetitive; phrases like “as one clear example” or “this can be seen in” maintain readers’ interest. Also, align each example closely with the specific point you want to illustrate. If you’re discussing productivity, ensure the example you present addresses the relevant factors—time management, workflow, or collaboration. This targeted approach cements the connection between your theoretical claim and its real-world manifestation, amplifying your writing’s credibility and impact. Whenever possible, accompany “example” with concise, tangible details to ensure it resonates vividly with your audience, leaving minimal room for ambiguity.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “example” helps you paint a clearer picture so friends or family quickly understand what you’re talking about. Say someone isn’t grasping how a new card game works. You can say, “Let me give you an example of a turn,” and then walk them through one round in detail. Or if you’re explaining why you love a certain TV show, you might illustrate what makes it so special: “For example, last night’s episode had a huge twist that kept everyone guessing.” You also see it in everyday tips, like when you offer cooking advice: “An easy example is to use half the spice at first, then taste.” By citing a specific scenario, you help listeners latch onto the concept, bridging any knowledge gap. In casual chats, using “example” before diving into details naturally signals you’re clarifying something or telling a story to make sense of it. While “example” is straightforward, it’s also versatile enough to adapt to fun, playful contexts (“For example, if you’re chasing big waves, this beach is perfect!”) or serious discussions (“Here’s one example of how budgeting can prevent debt”). Whether you’re illustrating a concept, retelling an anecdote, or offering suggestions, a well-placed “example” makes your point come alive in day-to-day talk.
Etymology
The word “example” stems from the Latin “exemplum,” meaning “sample,” “pattern,” or “model,” which itself derives from “eximere,” meaning “to take out.” Historically, it implied something “taken out” or “taken from” a broader set to serve as a representative case. Through Old French, the term transitioned into Middle English as “ensaumple” or “example,” retaining this sense of a demonstrative instance that stands in for a general rule or class. In both classical and medieval writings, “example” was often used in moral or religious contexts, illustrating virtuous (or vice-filled) behavior. Over centuries, as intellectual pursuits expanded in science, philosophy, and literature, “example” cemented its role in explaining or supporting an argument, helping readers connect abstract reasoning to tangible instances. Present-day usage preserves the original idea—selecting one illustrative piece from a larger universe of possibilities—to clarify, exemplify, or highlight. This centuries-long evolution underscores humanity’s consistent need to communicate comprehensively: we show what we mean by pointing to a specific case, bridging the gap between concept and reality.
