Example vs. Sample — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on November 1, 2023
Example refers to a representative instance, while Sample is a portion representing a whole.
Difference Between Example and Sample
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
Example and Sample are both terms that refer to a part of something used to illustrate or represent the whole. However, they are employed differently and convey distinct meanings. An Example is typically a typical or illustrative case, often used to explain or support a point. Sample, on the other hand, is a part of a whole taken to show the character of the entire thing. It could be a segment of a population, a piece of material, or even a snippet of audio.
When you give an Example, you are often showcasing a pattern, way, or method. It's more about providing a clear model to be followed or avoided. For instance, teachers often use examples to help students understand complex topics. In contrast, when you provide a Sample, you are giving a piece or a subset of a larger entity, hoping that this subset will be reflective of the entire thing. For example, researchers might take a sample of the population to gather data and draw conclusions about the larger group.
The purpose of using an Example is generally to illustrate a concept, rule, or pattern. It acts as a paradigm, which, when shown, clears ambiguity or enforces understanding. On the contrary, the purpose of a Sample is to get insights or test the attributes of a larger set. Scientists, for example, take samples of substances to test them in laboratories.
Moreover, while both Example and Sample can be tangible or intangible, their application in daily language varies. For instance, a parent might use a past event as an example to teach a lesson to their child. On the other hand, a company might provide a sample of their product for customers to try before making a purchase.
Comparison Chart
Definition
A representative instance
A portion representing a whole
ADVERTISEMENT
Purpose
Illustrate a concept or pattern
Test or showcase a subset
Usage
Typically to explain/support a point
To give insight about the whole
Nature
Can be a behavior, event, or pattern
Often a physical part of a larger set
Common Application
Teaching, demonstrating a principle
Research, product testing
Compare with Definitions
Example
A precedent, cautionary instance.
He made an example of the thief by prosecuting him.
Sample
A specimen taken for scientific testing or analysis.
The doctor collected a blood sample to check for any abnormalities.
Example
A problem or exercise used to illustrate a principle.
The math textbook is filled with examples for students to solve.
Sample
A portion drawn from a population, the study of which is intended to lead to statistical estimates of the attributes of the whole population.
The researchers took a sample of 100 people to study voting behaviors.
Example
A representative instance to clarify a concept.
She provided an example of the theorem in her lecture.
Sample
A promotional or trial portion of a product.
The store was giving out free samples of the new cheese flavor.
Example
A pattern or model to be imitated or not followed.
His dedication serves as an example for all of us.
Sample
A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like
Investigations involved analysing samples of handwriting
Example
An occurrence illustrating a rule or precept.
The exception proves the rule, as shown by the example of outliers in statistics.
Sample
A sound or piece of music created by sampling
Piano samples
Example
A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule
Advertising provides a good example of an industry where dreams have faded
Sample
Take a sample or samples of (something) for analysis
Bone marrow cells were sampled
Example
A person or thing regarded in terms of their fitness to be imitated
It is important that parents should set an example
He followed his brother's example and deserted his family
Sample
Ascertain the momentary value of (an analogue signal) many times a second so as to convert the signal to digital form
The input signal must be sampled at twice its highest frequency
Example
Be illustrated or exemplified
The extent of Allied naval support is exampled by the navigational specialists provided
Sample
A portion, piece, or segment that is representative of a whole
Showed samples of a new stretch fabric.
Example
One that is representative of a group as a whole
The squirrel, an example of a rodent.
Introduced each new word with examples of its use.
Sample
A specimen taken for analysis or testing
A blood sample.
A water sample.
Example
One serving as a pattern of a specific kind
Set a good example by arriving on time.
Sample
(Statistics) A set of data or elements drawn from a larger population and analyzed to estimate the characteristics of that population. Also called sampling.
Example
A similar case that constitutes a model or precedent
A unique episode, without example in maritime history.
Sample
A usually digitized audio segment taken from an original recording and inserted, often repetitively, in a new recording.
Example
A punishment given as a warning or deterrent
Saw the boy's suspension as an example to all students considering breaking the rules.
Sample
One of a series of pieces of data representing a digitized approximation of an analog signal.
Example
One that has been given such a punishment
Made an example of the offender.
Sample
To take a sample of, especially to test or examine by a sample
The restaurant critic who must sample a little of everything.
Example
A problem or exercise used to illustrate a principle or method.
Sample
To use or incorporate (an audio segment of an original recording) in a new recording
A song that samples the bassline of a 1970s disco tune.
Example
Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
Sample
To represent the value of (an analog signal) at a particular point in time by means of a piece of digital data.
Example
Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
Sample
Serving as a representative or example
Sample test questions.
A sample piece of fabric.
Example
Something that serves as a pattern of behaviour to be imitated (a good example) or not to be imitated (a bad example).
Nelson Mandela was an example for many to follow.
Sample
A part or snippet of something taken or presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen.
A blood sample
Example
A person punished as a warning to others.
Sample
(statistics) A subset of a population selected for measurement, observation or questioning, to provide statistical information about the population.
Large samples are generally more reliable than small samples due to having less variability.
Example
A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
Sample
(cooking) A small quantity of food for tasting, typically given away for free.
Example
An instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.
Sample
(business) A small piece of some goods, for determining quality, colour, etc., typically given away for free.
Example
To be illustrated or exemplified (by). en
Sample
(music) Gratuitous borrowing of easily recognised phases (or moments) from other music (or movies) in a recording.
Example
One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.
Sample
(obsolete) Example; pattern.
Example
That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
I gave, thou sayest, the example; I led the way.
Sample
(transitive) To take or to test a sample or samples of.
Example
That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.
Such temperate order in so fierce a causeDoth want example.
Sample
To reduce a continuous signal (such as a sound wave) to a discrete signal.
Example
That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.
Hang him; he'll be made an example.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
Sample
To reuse a portion of (an existing sound recording) in a new piece of music.
Example
An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.
Sample
To make or show something similar to a sample.
Example
To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.
Burke devoted himself to this duty with a fervid assiduity that has not often been exampled, and has never been surpassed.
Sample
Example; pattern.
Thus he concludes, and every hardy knightHis sample followed.
Example
An item of information that is representative of a type;
This patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
There is an example on page 10
Sample
A part of anything presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen; as, goods are often purchased by samples.
I design this but for a sample of what I hope more fully to discuss.
Example
A representative form or pattern;
I profited from his example
Sample
To make or show something similar to; to match.
Example
Something to be imitated;
An exemplar of success
A model of clarity
He is the very model of a modern major general
Sample
To take or to test a sample or samples of; as, to sample sugar, teas, wools, cloths.
Example
Punishment intended as a warning to others;
They decided to make an example of him
Sample
A small part of something intended as representative of the whole
Example
An occurrence of something;
It was a case of bad judgment
Another instance occurred yesterday
But there is always the famous example of the Smiths
Sample
Items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population
Example
A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding;
You must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook
Sample
All or part of a natural object that is collected and preserved as an example of its class
Sample
Take a sample of;
Try these new crackers
Sample the regional dishes
Sample
An instance, especially of a product, used to exhibit its quality.
The artist provided a sample of his artwork during the exhibition.
Sample
A digital recording segment used in producing music.
The DJ used a sample from an old jazz record in his new track.
Common Curiosities
How is a Sample different from a prototype?
While both are representative pieces, a Sample is typically a part of an existing set, while a prototype is an initial model of something new.
What is the primary purpose of an Example?
The primary purpose of an Example is to illustrate or clarify a concept or pattern.
Can a Sample represent the entirety of a product or population?
Yes, a Sample is taken with the intention of representing the whole product or population.
How is an Example different from an analogy?
While both explain concepts, an Example provides a direct instance, whereas an analogy draws a comparison between two different things.
Is an Example always real or can it be hypothetical?
An Example can be real, hypothetical, or even fictional, depending on the context.
Can an Example be negative?
Absolutely, examples can be given to illustrate both positive and negative points.
Is it always necessary that a Sample is a smaller representation of the whole?
Generally, yes. A Sample is a subset taken to represent or give insight about the whole.
In teaching, why is providing an Example important?
Examples help clarify and reinforce concepts, making them more understandable to students.
Can the word Example be used in the context of punishment?
Yes, "making an example out of someone" means punishing them as a deterrent to others.
Can a Sample be used in digital music production?
Yes, samples are often snippets of sound or music used to create new tracks in digital music production.
Is every Sample in research a true representation of the whole?
Not always. It's crucial to ensure the sample is representative, or the findings might not accurately reflect the whole.
In which industries is the term Sample prominently used?
Industries like research, music, manufacturing, and retail often use the term Sample.
Why are both Example and Sample important in their respective contexts?
Example clarifies and elucidates, while Sample provides insight and representation of a larger set. Both serve to inform and guide understanding.
Can one Example suffice to explain a complex topic?
It depends on the topic and audience; sometimes multiple examples might be needed for comprehensive understanding.
When shopping, how can a Sample help a consumer?
A Sample allows consumers to test or try a product before making a full purchase.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Quote vs. Quotation
Next Comparison
Octopus vs. JellyfishAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
