From Anglo-French saumple, a shortening of Old French essample, from Latin exemplum ('a sample, model, or instance'). Latin exemplum derives from eximere ('to take out'), combining ex- ('out') and emere ('to take'). First recorded in English around 1300. The spelling shifted from ensample to the modern example by the 16th century.
What does example mean?
Example most commonly means a specific instance used to illustrate a general rule or idea. It also means a model of behaviour worth imitating, or a punishment intended to deter others.
What is the origin of the word example?
Example comes from Latin exemplum, meaning 'a sample or model', derived from eximere ('to take out'). It entered English via Old French around 1300.
What is the difference between example and instance?
Both refer to a specific case, but example emphasises that the case illustrates or explains something, while instance simply points to a particular occurrence.
What does 'make an example of someone' mean?
It means to punish someone publicly so that others are deterred from the same behaviour.
What is the plural of example?
The plural is examples, formed regularly by adding -s.