ex·am·ple ( g-z m p l)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. 4. a. A punishment given as a warning or deterrent. b. 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. Idiom: for example As an illustrative instance: Wear something simple; for example, a skirt and blouse.
[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: example, instance, case1, illustration, sample, specimen 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. |
example Noun 1. a specimen that is typical of its group; sample: a fine example of Georgian architecture 2. a particular event, object, or person that demonstrates a point or supports an argument, theory, etc.: Germany is a good example of how federalism works in practice 3. a person, action, or thing that is worthy of imitation 4. a punishment or the person punished regarded as a warning to others 5. for example as an illustration [Latin exemplum]
Example of masters: a company of masters— Bk. of St. Albans, 1486.
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms | Noun | 1. |  example - an item of information that is typical of a class or group; "this patient provides a typical example of the syndrome"; "there is an example on page 10"information - knowledge acquired through study or experience or instruction apology, excuse - a poor example; "it was an apology for a meal"; "a poor excuse for an automobile" exception - an instance that does not conform to a rule or generalization; "all her children were brilliant; the only exception was her last child"; "an exception tests the rule" quintessence - the most typical example or representative of a type sample - a small part of something intended as representative of the whole specimen - an example regarded as typical of its class | | 2. | example - a representative form or pattern; "I profited from his example"epitome, prototype, paradigm, image - a standard or typical example; "he is the prototype of good breeding"; "he provided America with an image of the good father" archetype, original, pilot - something that serves as a model or a basis for making copies; "this painting is a copy of the original" prefiguration - an example that prefigures or foreshadows what is to come | | 3. | example - something to be imitated; "an exemplar of success"; "a model of clarity"; "he is the very model of a modern major general"ideal - the idea of something that is perfect; something that one hopes to attain beaut, beauty - an outstanding example of its kind; "his roses were beauties"; "when I make a mistake it's a beaut" pacemaker, pacesetter - a leading instance in its field; "the new policy will be a pacesetter in community relations" pattern - a model considered worthy of imitation; "the American constitution has provided a pattern for many republics" prodigy - an impressive or wonderful example of a particular quality; "the Marines are expected to perform prodigies of valor" | | 4. | example - punishment intended as a warning to others; "they decided to make an example of him"admonition, word of advice, monition, warning - cautionary advice about something imminent (especially imminent danger or other unpleasantness); "a letter of admonition about the dangers of immorality"; "the warning was to beware of surprises"; "his final word of advice was not to play with matches" | | 5. | example - an occurrence of something; "it was a case of bad judgment"; "another instance occurred yesterday"; "but there is always the famous example of the Smiths"humiliation, mortification - an instance in which you are caused to lose your prestige or self-respect; "he had to undergo one humiliation after another" bit, piece - an instance of some kind; "it was a nice piece of work"; "he had a bit of good luck" time, clip - an instance or single occasion for some event; "this time he succeeded"; "he called four times"; "he could do ten at a clip" | | 6. | example - a task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding; "you must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook"lesson - a task assigned for individual study; "he did the lesson for today" |
example noun 1. instance, specimen, case, sample, illustration, case in point, particular case, particular instance, typical case, exemplification, representative case noun 2. illustration, model, ideal, standard, norm, precedent, pattern, prototype, paradigm, archetype, paragon, exemplar noun 3. warning, lesson, caution, deterrent, admonition >> for example as an illustration, like, such as, for instance, to illustrate, by way of illustration, exempli gratia ( Latin) e.g., to cite an instance  Translations
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