example
n. countablen. something that shows how a rule works or what a group of things is like. You use it to help someone understand a bigger idea.
n. a representative instance or case that illustrates a general rule or provides a model for imitation.
Can you give me an example of this grammar rule?
The teacher wrote a clear example on the board to help the students understand the new math problem.
While the theory remains abstract, this specific historical event serves as a perfect example of how economic shifts can trigger sudden social upheaval.
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).
Often used with the preposition 'of' to connect the instance to the general category.
for example of thisas an example of thisLearners often confuse the fixed phrase 'for example' with the noun 'example' used as an object or complement.