example, instance, sample
- example, instance, sample
An example is apart of something, one of a number of things: "This is an example of his better work." The word also means "pattern," "model," or "specimen": "His devotion to work set an example for all of us." An instance is that kind of example used to prove or illustrate: "His bad behavior that day was an instance of his surly character." A sample is a small part of something and has the basic meaning of "specimen": "This sample of cloth is lovely." Although "for instance" and "for example" are interchangeable, instance and example are not: your behavior can set a good example for others but not a good instance.
Dictionary of problem words and expressions.
Harry Shaw.
1975.
Look at other dictionaries:
sample — See example. See example, instance, sample … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
instance — See example. See example, instance, sample … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
example — See example, instance, sample … Dictionary of problem words and expressions
Example — Ex*am ple, n. [A later form for ensample, fr. L. exemplum, orig., what is taken out of a larger quantity, as a sample, from eximere to take out. See {Exempt}, and cf. {Ensample}, {Sample}.] 1. One or a portion taken to show the character or… … The Collaborative International Dictionary of English
sample — n specimen, example, *instance, case, illustration Analogous words: piece, *part, portion, segment, fragment … New Dictionary of Synonyms
example — 1 sample, specimen, instance, case, illustration Contrasted words: anomaly, *paradox 2 *model, exemplar, pattern, ideal, standard, beau ideal, mirror Analogous words: *paragon, apotheosis Contrasted words: precept, rule, *law … New Dictionary of Synonyms
instance — I. noun Date: 14th century 1. a. archaic urgent or earnest solicitation b. instigation, request < am writing to you at the instance of my client > c. obsolete an impelling cause or motive 2. a … New Collegiate Dictionary
instance — n Instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean a concrete thing which has or manifests the qualities, characters, or nature of a type, a class, or a group. Instance applies to an individual person or thing brought forth in support … New Dictionary of Synonyms
sample — I noun archetype, case in point, cross section, documentum, ensample, example, exemplar, exemplification, exemplum, guide, illustration, instance, model, original, paradigm, prototype, representation, representative, representative selection,… … Law dictionary
instance — in·stance / in stəns/ n [French, from Late Latin instantia, from Latin, the fact of being present or impending, vehemence in speech, urgency, from instant instans insistent, pressing, from present participle of instare to be pressing, stand upon] … Law dictionary
