Example Definition: Meaning, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：instance that illustrates a general rule (example)

example 🔊

/ɪɡˈzæmpəl/

A specific thing, person, or situation used to explain or represent a general idea.

Example illustration: teacher pointing at sentence on whiteboard

instance that illustrates a general rule 🔊

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/ˈɪnstəns ðæt ˈɪləstreɪts ə ˈdʒɛnərəl ruːl/

An example is a specific thing, person, or situation used to explain or represent a general idea, principle, or category.

📁 Category：School Education 🔖 Level：beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

ex- (out) + emere (to take) → something taken out as a sample.

💡 Mnemonic

Think: 'Ex' (out) + 'ample' (ample sample) → Take out a perfect sample to show others.

📖 Example

The teacher used an example of an apple to explain what a fruit is. 🔊 The teacher used an example of an apple to explain what a fruit is.

🔗 Collocations

for example – used to introduce an instance or illustration

set an example – to behave in a way that others should copy

follow the example of – to imitate someone's behavior or actions

🔄 Synonyms

instance (n.) – a particular occurrence or case of something

illustration (n.) – a visual or written explanation that makes something clear

sample (n.) – a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like

🚫 Antonyms

exception (n.) – a person or thing that does not follow a general rule

anomaly (n.) – something that deviates from what is standard or normal

🌱 Derivatives

exemplify (v.) – to be a typical example of something

exemplary (adj.) – serving as a desirable model; very good

exemplar (n.) – a person or thing serving as a typical example

📖 Cultural Story

From Latin 'exemplum' (sample, instance), derived from 'eximere' (to take out). In ancient Rome, an exemplum was a moral story used to teach a lesson.