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Added 4 October 2026

example

/ɪɡˈzɑːm.pəl/ noun

In Latin: exemplum, specimen Wiktionary

noun Definition from Wiktionary (CC BY-SA). Pronunciation from Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org. More about example at Wordnik → Where our words come from →

Something that is representative of all such things in a group.
Something that serves to illustrate or explain a rule.
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.

verb

To be illustrated or exemplified (by). (Can we add an example for this sense?)

Origin

From Middle English example, exaumple, from Old French example, essaumple, from Latin exemplum (“sample, pattern, specimen, copy for imitation, etc.”, literally “what is taken out”); see exempt. Doublet of exemplum and sample. Displaced native Middle English forebisne, from Old English forebȳsn; and Middle English bisne, from Old English bȳsn (modern English bizen).

From Wiktionary, via Kaikki.org (CC BY-SA)

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