# example

/ɪɡˈzæmpəɫ/ (US) · /ɛɡzˈɑːmpəl/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/example
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. a representative instance

noun · CEFR A1

a typical thing that shows what others in the same group are like.

For teachers: an individual instance that is representative of a larger group or category.

- This painting is a great example of the artist's early style.
- The cathedral stands as a magnificent example of Gothic architecture, featuring the pointed arches and ribbed vaults typical of the period.

### 2. to explain a rule

noun · CEFR A1

something used to help explain a rule or show how something works.

For teachers: an illustration used to clarify a principle, rule, or general statement.

- Can you give me an example of how to use this word in a sentence?
- The textbook provides several worked examples to help students grasp the underlying mathematical principles before they attempt the exercises.

### 3. a model of behaviour

noun · CEFR B1

a person or their behaviour that other people should copy.

For teachers: a pattern of behaviour or a person considered worthy of imitation.

- He tries to set a good example for his younger brothers.
- By arriving early and staying focused, the manager hoped to set a positive example for the rest of the department.

### 4. a warning

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

a person who is punished to warn others not to do the same thing.

For teachers: an instance of punishment intended to serve as a deterrent to others.

- The judge decided to make an example of the thief to stop others from stealing.
- The administration sought to make an example of the whistle-blower, imposing a harsh penalty to discourage further leaks of sensitive information.

Usage: Often used with the verb 'make'.

### 5. to illustrate

verb · CEFR C2 · Archaic · Formal

to show or explain something by giving an example.

For teachers: to illustrate or clarify by providing a representative instance.

- The points he made were exampled by the stories he told.
- The shift in public opinion is clearly exampled by the recent changes in national legislation.

Teaching tip: This verb use is very rare in modern English; 'exemplify' is almost always preferred.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.