example
example
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling:
/ɪɡˈzæmpəl/
Breakdown of Sounds by Syllable:
First Syllable (ex- /ɪɡ/):
/ɪ/ - a short "i" sound, as in "bit"
/ɡ/ - a voiced velar stop, as in "go"
Second Syllable (-am- /ˈzæm/):
/z/ - a voiced alveolar fricative, as in "zoo"
/æ/ - a short "a" sound, as in "cat"
/m/ - a bilabial nasal, as in "man"
Third Syllable (-ple /pəl/):
/p/ - a voiceless bilabial stop, as in "pat"
/əl/ - a syllabic "l" sound, where the "l" functions as a vowel, similar to the "le" in "table"
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: example
Plural Noun: examples
Verb (base form): example
Verb (third-person singular present): examples
Verb (present participle): exemplifying
Verb (past tense/past participle): exemplified
Adjective (derived from verb): exemplary (while not a direct form of "example," it's a closely related adjective meaning serving as an example)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition: A specific instance or case that illustrates a general rule, principle, or characteristic; something serving as a model or pattern to be imitated or avoided.
Synonyms: instance, sample, model, pattern, precedent, case, illustration, representation
Antonyms: anomaly, exception (when meaning something outside the norm), deviation, irregularity
Definition: A person or thing that serves as a warning or deterrent, especially due to negative consequences.
Synonyms: warning, deterrent, lesson, admonition, caution
Antonyms: encouragement, incentive, reward
Verb:
Definition: To illustrate, show, or demonstrate something by giving an instance or specific case.
Synonyms: illustrate, demonstrate, show, embody, exemplify, instance, represent
Antonyms: obscure, hide, confuse, abstract
Definition: To serve as a model or pattern for; to be an instance of.
Synonyms: model, pattern, embody, represent, exemplify
Antonyms: deviate from, diverge from, contradict
Adjective (Related Term):
Exemplary: (Though not a direct form, it's highly related)
Definition: Serving as a desirable model; very good and suitable for imitation.
Synonyms: ideal, perfect, model, admirable, commendable, praiseworthy, excellent
Antonyms: flawed, imperfect, poor, unacceptable, reprehensible
Examples of Use
Books:
"For example, if a user clicks a button, a specific function might be triggered, leading to a change in the interface." (From a hypothetical programming textbook)
"The author uses the character's internal monologue as an example of stream-of-consciousness writing, a technique popularized in the early 20th century." (From a literary criticism book)
"His dedication to community service serves as a powerful example for younger generations, proving that individual actions can truly make a difference." (From a biography or self-help book)
Newspapers:
"The city council's new initiative on waste reduction could be a shining example for other municipalities struggling with similar environmental challenges." (From an editorial in The New York Times)
"Police cited the recent uptick in petty crime as an example of the need for increased neighborhood patrols." (From a local news report in The Daily Chronicle)
"As an example of market volatility, the stock's sudden plunge yesterday sent ripples through the financial sector." (From an article in The Wall Street Journal)
Online Publications:
"Check out our latest tutorial, which provides step-by-step instructions and practical examples of how to optimize your website for mobile devices." (From a blog post on TechCrunch)
"The rapid spread of misinformation online offers a stark example of the challenges facing digital literacy in the modern age." (From an article on The Verge)
"This particular recipe, with its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, is a perfect example of healthy and delicious Mediterranean cuisine." (From an online food magazine like Bon Appétit)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Television Series: "She's a tough, independent woman, a true example of strength in the face of adversity." (Dialogue from a character in a drama series like The Crown or Queen's Gambit)
Film: "This film is a classic example of film noir, with its dark themes, cynical characters, and chiaroscuro lighting." (A film critic's commentary or a documentary on cinema)
Podcast: "Our guest today shares an amazing example of resilience, recounting how they overcame significant personal challenges to achieve their goals." (From an interview on a self-improvement or inspirational podcast)
Video Games: "The advanced AI of the enemy combatants in this game is a groundbreaking example of how far game development has come." (A video game reviewer discussing Elden Ring or Cyberpunk 2077)
Music/Song Lyrics: "You are the example I'll follow, my guiding light through every tomorrow." (From a song lyric, expressing admiration or inspiration)
General Public Discourse:
"For example, if you want to save money, you could try packing your lunch instead of buying it every day." (Casual conversation between friends)
"That new building downtown is a terrible example of modern architecture; it just doesn't fit in with the historical surroundings." (A comment made by a passerby)
"Let me give you an example of what I mean: imagine a world where everyone treated each other with respect." (A speaker making a point in a public forum or presentation)
"He set a really bad example for the kids by not cleaning up after himself." (A parent talking about a child or another adult)
10 Famous Quotes Using Example
"Setting a good example for others is a worthier endeavor than telling them what to do." (Albert Einstein)
"The best way to teach is to be an example." (Attributed to Confucius)
"No one is useless in this world who lightens the burdens of another. Be an example." (Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol)
"We are all here on earth to help others; what on earth the others are here for I don't know." (W.H. Auden - While not using "example," this quote embodies the spirit of setting a good example through altruism.)
"A good example is the best sermon." (Benjamin Franklin)
"Children are more influenced by example than by precept." (Unknown, a common proverb)
"Courage is contagious. When a brave man takes a stand, the spines of others are often stiffened. Let your life be an example of courage." (Billy Graham)
"Man can learn nothing unless he proceeds from the known to the unknown. Give him an example." (Claude Bernard)
"The way we behave, the choices we make, sets an example for those who come after us." (Attributed to Sandra Day O'Connor)
"Be the change that you wish to see in the world. (Mahatma Gandhi - While not using "example," this quote is a powerful call to be an example of desired change.)
Etymology
The word "example" has a rather straightforward and interesting journey through language!
It comes to us from Middle English, appearing as "example" or "exaumple." Before that, it was borrowed from Old French, where it was "example" or "essaumple."
But the real root lies in Latin. The Old French word came from the Latin word "exemplum." This Latin word literally means "what is taken out," or "a sample, a pattern, a specimen, a copy for imitation."
Imagine you have a big pile of things, and you take one out to show what the rest are like, or to show how something should be done. That's the core idea of "exemplum." It comes from the Latin verb "eximere," which means "to take out" – made up of "ex-" (meaning "out of") and "emere" (meaning "to take" or "to buy").
So, the first known meaning of "example" was essentially "something taken out to represent a whole" or "a model or pattern to be followed (or avoided)." The Oxford English Dictionary (OED) finds its earliest known use as a noun in Middle English, specifically before 1382, in an early version of the Bible.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Example
Set an example: To behave in a way that should be imitated by others.
For example: Used to introduce an illustration or instance.
Make an example of (someone): To punish someone severely as a warning to others.
Lead by example: To demonstrate the behavior or actions one expects from others.
A case in point/A prime example: A perfect illustration of something being discussed. (Uses a synonym, "case," for similar effect)
By way of example: As an illustration or instance.
A shining example: A very good or admirable model.
Follow someone's example: To behave in a similar way to someone else because you admire them.
Take a leaf out of someone's book: To imitate someone's behavior because you admire it. (An idiom with a similar effect to following someone's example)
Give a good account of oneself: To perform well and be a good representation. (An idiom implying being a good "example")
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of example from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
