EXAMPLE

Definition of EXAMPLE

EXAMPLE Noun and (informal) Verb

Example is a noun that refers to a specific instance or case used to illustrate, clarify, or represent a general principle, rule, or concept. It can also function as a verb in informal contexts, meaning to illustrate or demonstrate something using an example.

EXAMPLE as a noun

Illustrative Instance: An example serves as an illustrative instance that helps clarify a concept or principle. For instance, “To explain the concept of gravity, the teacher used the example of an apple falling from a tree,” shows how examples can make abstract ideas more understandable by providing concrete instances.

Representation of a General Rule: Example can represent a broader principle or general rule through a specific case. For example, “The researcher provided several examples of how climate change affects different ecosystems,” indicates that the examples demonstrate the broader effects of a general phenomenon.

Model or Pattern: In certain contexts, example refers to a model or pattern that can be followed. For instance, “Her dedication to her work set an example for her colleagues,” implies that her behavior serves as a model for others to emulate.

Educational and Instructional Use: Examples are commonly used in educational and instructional settings to aid learning. For example, “The textbook includes numerous examples to help students grasp complex mathematical concepts,” highlights the role of examples in teaching and learning processes.

Legal and Regulatory Contexts: In legal or regulatory contexts, example refers to a case or instance used to interpret or apply rules. For instance, “The court’s decision in the landmark case became an example for future legal precedents,” shows how specific cases serve as references for interpreting laws.

EXAMPLE as a verb

Illustrating or Demonstrating: When used as a verb, example means to illustrate or demonstrate something by providing an instance or case. For example, “He exemplified his point by giving several real-life examples,” indicates that he used specific instances to clarify or support his argument.

Demonstrating a Concept: Example can also mean to show how a concept is applied or understood through a specific case. For instance, “The professor exemplified the theory by describing a well-known experiment,” means that the professor used a specific experiment to demonstrate the application of a theory.

Educational Context: In teaching, using example as a verb involves providing instances to help students understand a concept. For example, “The instructor will example the new process with practical scenarios,” shows how examples are used to teach or explain new concepts.

In conclusion, example is a noun that refers to an instance or case used to illustrate, clarify, or represent a concept, principle, or general rule. It can also function as a verb in informal contexts to mean illustrating or demonstrating something using specific instances. Understanding example helps in recognizing its role in teaching, illustrating principles, and providing models or patterns in various contexts.

Examples of EXAMPLE in a sentence

EXAMPLE as a noun in a sentence

  • She provided an example of how to use the new software during the training session.
  • To understand the concept better, let’s look at a practical example from everyday life.
  • His success story is an example of how perseverance can lead to great achievements.
  • The teacher asked for an example of a verb in the past tense to help students with their grammar lesson.
  • An example of a renewable energy source is solar power, which can reduce dependence on fossil fuels.
  • The manual includes several examples to illustrate how to assemble the furniture correctly.
  • As an example of teamwork, they shared a project where everyone contributed equally to the success.
  • The judge cited a similar case as an example to support the court’s decision.

EXAMPLE as a verb in a sentence

  • The teacher examples various techniques to illustrate how different mathematical problems can be solved.
  • To ensure the concept is clear, the coach examples several strategies during practice.
  • The author examples different writing styles to show how they can affect the tone of a story.
  • In the meeting, she examples successful case studies to support her argument.
  • He examples effective communication methods by demonstrating how to handle difficult conversations.
  • The software tutorial examples several use cases to help users understand its features.
  • During the training session, the instructor examples best practices for customer service.
  • The professor examples historical events to explain how they shaped current political theories.

Origin of EXAMPLE

The word example has its origins in Latin, evolving through Old French before becoming part of Modern English. It refers to something that illustrates or serves as a model for others.

  • Latin:
    • Exemplum (example, model)
    • The Latin term exemplum means “example” or “model,” and is derived from ex- (out) and emere (to take). It reflects the idea of something that is taken out as a model or pattern.
  • Old French:
    • Exemple (example, model)
    • In Old French, exemple (from Latin exemplum) was used to describe something that serves as a model or illustration, preserving the Latin sense of a pattern or model.
  • Middle English:
    • Exemple (example, illustration)
    • By Middle English, exemple referred to something used to illustrate or serve as a model, reflecting its Old French and Latin origins.
  • Modern English:
    • Example (something that illustrates or serves as a model)
    • In Modern English, example denotes something that illustrates or serves as a model for others, maintaining its historical meaning from Latin and Old French.

The term example has retained its core meaning of a model or illustration from its Latin origin in exemplum, through Old French and Middle English, to its current use in English, where it describes something that serves as a model or pattern for others.

Synonyms

  • Illustration
  • Instance
  • Model
  • Case
  • Sample
  • Prototype
  • Representation
  • Demonstration

Antonyms

  • Counterexample
  • Exception
  • Antithesis
  • Non-example
  • Negation
  • Anomaly
  • Outlier
  • Irregularity

Related

  • Demonstration
  • Exhibit
  • Paradigm
  • Case study
  • Exhibit
  • Reference
  • Specimen
  • Representation

🌐 🇬🇧 EXAMPLE in other languages

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