example

example — noun

1. a thing, person, or situation that belongs to a particular group and shows what

1.nounB1
Definition

a thing, person, or situation that belongs to a particular group and shows what other members of that group are like

Example

The panda is a well-known example of a species that eats only bamboo.

well-known example of [category]

This bowl is a beautiful example of traditional Korean pottery from the 14th century.

beautiful example of [possessive noun phrase]

Common collocations
  • classic example
  • perfect example
  • prime example
  • typical example
  • striking example
Synonyms
  • instance

    more formal; focuses on a single occurrence within a category

  • sample

    emphasises a small part taken from a larger whole

  • specimen

    used for scientific or medical contexts; suggests an individual item studied

Grammar Patterns

a(n) [adjective] example of [noun phrase]

2. a particular sentence, problem, or piece of information that teachers or books u

2.nounA2
Definition

a particular sentence, problem, or piece of information that teachers or books use to explain how something works or how to do something

Example

The teacher gave us several examples to help us understand the new grammar rule.

gave [someone] examples to help [someone] understand

Can you show me an example of how to write a formal email in English?

show [someone] an example of how to [verb]

Common collocations
  • give an example
  • provide an example
  • show an example
  • concrete example
  • worked example
Synonyms
  • illustration

    more formal; suggests an explanation through comparison or story

  • demonstration

    focuses on showing a process or skill in action

Grammar Patterns

give [someone] an example of [noun phrase]

show [someone] an example of how to [verb]

Usage Note

Very common in classroom settings and reference works. Often appears with verbs like 'give', 'provide', 'show', and 'use'.

Common Mistakes

Can you example this to me?
Can you give me an example of this?
'example' is not used as a verb in everyday English; use 'give an example' or 'show an example'.

3. used in speech or writing to introduce a specific case that helps explain or sup

3.nounA2
Definition

used in speech or writing to introduce a specific case that helps explain or support what you have just said

Example

Many large Asian cities, for example Tokyo and Seoul, have excellent public transport systems.

for example [proper noun] and [proper noun] inside sentence

Rafael enjoys outdoor activities. For example, he goes hiking in the mountains every weekend.

For example at start of new sentence

Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

for example [noun phrase]

For example + [sentence]

[clause], for example + [gerund phrase]

Common Mistakes

I like fruits for examples apples and bananas.
I like fruits, for example apples and bananas.
'for example' is never plural; also requires a comma before it.

4. a person whose behaviour or way of living is seen as good and is therefore worth

4.nounB1
Definition

a person whose behaviour or way of living is seen as good and is therefore worth copying by others

Example

Ayana sets a good example for new nurses by staying calm with her patients.

sets a good example for [group]

Parents who read at home set a good example for their children naturally.

set a good example for [someone]

Common collocations
  • set an example
  • follow an example
  • good example
  • bad example
  • shining example
  • positive example
  • lead by example
Synonyms
  • role model

    more specific; always refers to a person, especially someone in a public position

  • model

    broader; can refer to an abstract system or a person

  • ideal

    suggests a perfect standard that may be difficult to reach

Antonyms

Grammar Patterns

set a(n) [adjective] example for [someone]

be an example to [someone]

follow [someone's] example

Common Mistakes

He is a good example for us.
He sets a good example for us.
The verb 'set' is needed to express the active idea of being a role model.

5. a punishment given to someone that is deliberately severe so that other people w

5.nounB2
Definition

a punishment given to someone that is deliberately severe so that other people will be afraid to commit the same offence

Example

The school principal made an example of the students who were caught vandalising the gym.

made an example of [someone] (disciplinary context)

The judge made an example of the company that ignored worker safety laws.

make an example of [company] (legal context)

Common collocations
  • make an example of
  • serve as an example
  • as a warning to others
Synonyms
  • deterrent

    focuses on the punishment itself as a warning, rather than the person receiving it

Grammar Patterns

make an example of [someone]

Idioms

for example

idiom

This phrase introduces a specific instance that illustrates a general statement.

Many fruits, for example apples and oranges, are rich in vitamins.

You can use simple tools, for example a hammer or a screwdriver.

make an example of somebody

idiom

To punish someone severely so that others will be afraid to do the same wrong thing.

The principal made an example of Diego by giving him detention.

The coach made an example of Sara for breaking the team rules.

example — verb

Word family

  • exemplify
    verbC1
  • exemplary
    adjectiveC1
  • exemplar
    nounC2

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words refer to something that represents a larger category. 'Example' is the most general and common word — it can refer to anything from a typical case ('a classic example of Baroque architecture') to a warning ('make an example of'). 'Instance' is more formal and suggests a single occurrence within a pattern ('in this instance, the rule does not apply'). 'Sample' emphasises a small part taken from a larger whole for examination ('a blood sample', 'a sample of the fabric'). 'Specimen' is used in scientific and medical contexts for an individual item studied for research ('a fossil specimen', 'a urine specimen'). In everyday conversation, 'example' is the safest choice; the others carry specific connotations that make them appropriate in narrower contexts.

example ↗instance ↗sample ↗specimen ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • example sentence
  • example case
  • worked example
  • case in point

Adverbs

Phrases

  • for example
  • set an example
  • make an example of
  • follow the example of
  • lead by example

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinOld FrenchMiddle EnglishEnglish

'Example' comes from Latin 'exemplum', meaning 'a sample, a pattern, a model'. This word was formed from 'eximere' ('to take out'), which combines 'ex-' ('out') and 'emere' ('to take'). The idea is of 'taking out' one item to show what the rest are like. Latin 'exemplum' passed into Old French as 'essample' or 'example', and then into Middle English around the 14th century. The modern spelling settled in the 16th century.