Difference Between Example and Sample

Example vs Sample
 

Even though there is a clear difference between Example and Sample, the two words, example and sample, are often confused when it comes to their usage. Strictly speaking, there is difference between example and sample in terms of their usage and meanings. Generally, the word example is used in the sense of ‘illustration,’ to explain or support what is said. On the other hand, the word sample is used in the sense of ‘model’ or ‘specimen’. This is the main difference between the two words. There is every chance of using these two words wrongly if their meanings are not understood properly. It is interesting to note that both the words are used as nouns and both, example and sample, are used in the verb form too.

What does Example mean?

The word example is used in the sense of illustration, to explain or support what is said. An example is one that fits into a category. There may be others that fit the category too. Take a look at the following sentences.

The teacher gave two examples of underground stems.

Francis is very good in citing examples.

In both the sentences, the word example is used in the sense of ‘illustration’. The meaning of the first sentence would be that the teacher gave two illustrations that are typical of underground stems, and the meaning of the second sentence would be ‘Francis is very good in citing illustrations to support what he says’. Now, here understand that illustration is used as in illustration to explain or support what is said. Examples can be shown to a great extent in subjects like mathematics and statistics. Here is an example for how example is used as a verb.

The protagonist’s cruelty is exampled by how he treats his son.

What does Sample mean?

The word sample is used in the sense of model or specimen. On the other hand, it refers to a small piece or part that is intended to show what the whole is like. Take a look at the following sentences. Remember sample is often a physical thing.

The sales representative gave a sample of the washing powder.

He showed just a sample of his cartoon drawings.

The doctor checked the urine sample.

In the first sentence, sample is used in the sense of a small piece that is intended to show what the whole is like. According to the Oxford English dictionary it is ‘a small amount of a commodity, especially one given to a prospective customer:’ Since we are talking about sales, here samples are given to promote the washing powder by showing how it actually is. In the second sentence, the word sample is again a small part that represents the whole. He just shows one cartoon to show what his cartoons are like. In the third sentence, sample is used in the sense of specimen. So, the doctor checked the urine specimen. On the other hand, the word sample is mainly used in marketing and sale of products. Here is an example for how sample is used as a verb.

He sampled some wine with great interest.

What is the difference between Example and Sample?

• The word example is used in the sense of ‘illustration’, to explain or support what is said.

• On the other hand, the word sample is used in the sense of ‘model’ or ‘specimen.’

• Both the words are used as nouns and both example and sample are used in the verb form too.

• A sample is also a small piece or part that is intended to show what the whole is like.

• Sample is often a physical thing.

• Sample as a word is much associated with sales and marketing as well as in statistics while example is more used in teaching to illustrate something.

These are the differences between the two words, namely, example and sample.