Example vs. Sample: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Published on January 29, 2024
"An example is a representative case or illustration of a concept, while a sample is a subset of a larger group, chosen to represent or test that group."
Key Differences
An example is typically used to illustrate or explain a concept, idea, or rule, often serving as a model for understanding abstract concepts. A sample, on the other hand, is a part of a larger whole, selected to represent or analyze the characteristics of the whole group. Examples are used in teaching and explanation, while samples are used in analysis and research.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
The purpose of an example is to clarify or demonstrate an idea or theory, making it easier to comprehend. It often serves as a pattern or template. In contrast, a sample is intended for examination or testing, used in contexts like scientific research, surveys, or quality control to infer or understand the properties of a larger population.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
An example is illustrative, aiming to simplify, elucidate, or provide a scenario for a particular point or idea. It is more about conveying a concept than representing a group. Conversely, a sample is representative, aimed at capturing the essence or characteristics of a larger set from which it is drawn, ensuring that observations made on the sample can be generalized to the larger set.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
When providing an example, the focus is on relevance and clarity, ensuring that the example closely aligns with the concept it is illustrating. For a sample, representativeness and randomness are key, as it should accurately reflect the larger group without bias.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
In summary, examples are primarily used in educational and explanatory contexts, providing a model or instance to aid understanding, while samples are used in analytical and statistical contexts, offering a part of a larger group for the purpose of testing or representation.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To illustrate or explain a concept
To represent a larger group for analysis
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Jan 29, 2024
Usage in Context
Educational and explanatory
Research and statistical analysis
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Jan 29, 2024
Focus
On conveying a specific idea
On accurately reflecting a larger population
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Jan 29, 2024
Nature
Illustrative and explanatory
Representative and indicative of a larger set
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Jan 29, 2024
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Example and Sample Definitions
Example
An instance serving to illustrate a rule or principle.
As an example of gravity, an apple falling from a tree can be cited.
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Jan 03, 2024
Sample
A group or collection of items taken for analysis.
A blood sample was collected for the medical test.
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Jan 03, 2024
Example
A specific case used to demonstrate a general idea.
For example, baking soda and vinegar react to produce carbon dioxide.
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Jan 03, 2024
Sample
A portion or piece taken from something to represent the whole.
The researcher took a water sample from the lake for testing.
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Jan 03, 2024
Example
One that is representative of a group as a whole
The squirrel, an example of a rodent.
Introduced each new word with examples of its use.
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Jan 02, 2024
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Sample
A specimen used for testing or analysis.
The lab examined the soil sample for nutrients.
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Jan 03, 2024
Example
One serving as a pattern of a specific kind
Set a good example by arriving on time.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.
She received a free sample of the new skincare product.
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Jan 03, 2024
Example
A similar case that constitutes a model or precedent
A unique episode, without example in maritime history.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
A portion, piece, or segment that is representative of a whole
Showed samples of a new stretch fabric.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
A punishment given as a warning or deterrent
Saw the boy's suspension as an example to all students considering breaking the rules.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
A specimen taken for analysis or testing
A blood sample.
A water sample.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
One that has been given such a punishment
Made an example of the offender.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
(Statistics) A set of data or elements drawn from a larger population and analyzed to estimate the characteristics of that population. Also called sampling.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
A usually digitized audio segment taken from an original recording and inserted, often repetitively, in a new recording.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
One of a series of pieces of data representing a digitized approximation of an analog signal.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
To take a sample of, especially to test or examine by a sample
The restaurant critic who must sample a little of everything.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
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.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
To use or incorporate (an audio segment of an original recording) in a new recording
A song that samples the bassline of a 1970s disco tune.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
To represent the value of (an analog signal) at a particular point in time by means of a piece of digital data.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
A parallel or closely similar case, especially when serving as a precedent or model.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
Serving as a representative or example
Sample test questions.
A sample piece of fabric.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
An instance (as a problem to be solved) serving to illustrate the rule or precept or to act as an exercise in the application of the rule.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
A part or snippet of something taken or presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen.
A blood sample
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
(statistics) A subset of a population selected for measurement, observation or questioning, to provide statistical information about the population.
Large samples are generally more reliable than small samples due to having less variability.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
One or a portion taken to show the character or quality of the whole; a sample; a specimen.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
(cooking) A small quantity of food for tasting, typically given away for free.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
That which is to be followed or imitated as a model; a pattern or copy.
For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
I gave, thou sayest, the example; I led the way.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
(business) A small piece of some goods, for determining quality, colour, etc., typically given away for free.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
That which resembles or corresponds with something else; a precedent; a model.
Such temperate order in so fierce a causeDoth want example.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
(music) Gratuitous borrowing of easily recognised phases (or moments) from other music (or movies) in a recording.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
That which is to be avoided; one selected for punishment and to serve as a warning; a warning.
Hang him; he'll be made an example.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent that we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
An instance serving for illustration of a rule or precept, especially a problem to be solved, or a case to be determined, as an exercise in the application of the rules of any study or branch of science; as, in trigonometry and grammar, the principles and rules are illustrated by examples.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
To set an example for; to give a precedent for; to exemplify; to give an instance of; to instance.
Burke devoted himself to this duty with a fervid assiduity that has not often been exampled, and has never been surpassed.
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
To reduce a continuous signal (such as a sound wave) to a discrete signal.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
An item of information that is representative of a type;
This patient provides a typical example of the syndrome
There is an example on page 10
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
To reuse a portion of (an existing sound recording) in a new piece of music.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
Something to be imitated;
An exemplar of success
A model of clarity
He is the very model of a modern major general
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
Example; pattern.
Thus he concludes, and every hardy knightHis sample followed.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
Punishment intended as a warning to others;
They decided to make an example of him
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
A part of anything presented for inspection, or shown as evidence of the quality of the whole; a specimen; as, goods are often purchased by samples.
I design this but for a sample of what I hope more fully to discuss.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
An occurrence of something;
It was a case of bad judgment
Another instance occurred yesterday
But there is always the famous example of the Smiths
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
A task performed or problem solved in order to develop skill or understanding;
You must work the examples at the end of each chapter in the textbook
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
To take or to test a sample or samples of; as, to sample sugar, teas, wools, cloths.
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
A representative case used for illustration.
To give an example, a robin is a type of bird.
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Jan 03, 2024
Example
A pattern or model to be followed.
The teacher set a good example for her students.
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Jan 03, 2024
Sample
Items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population
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Jan 02, 2024
Example
A precedent or instance used as a warning or deterrent.
The consequences he faced served as an example to others.
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Jan 03, 2024
Sample
All or part of a natural object that is collected and preserved as an example of its class
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Jan 02, 2024
Sample
A representative part of a larger whole used in surveys or research.
The survey results were based on a sample of the population.
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Jan 03, 2024
Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a sample?
A sample is a subset of a larger group, chosen to represent or test the characteristics of that group.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
How is a sample used in research?
In research, a sample is used to gather data or insights about a larger population, often through statistical analysis.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
What is an example?
An example is a representative case, scenario, or illustration used to explain or demonstrate a concept or rule.
Shumaila Saeed
Jan 29, 2024
Can an example be fictional?
Yes, an example can be a hypothetical or fictional scenario created to illustrate a point.
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Jan 29, 2024
What makes a good example?
A good example is relevant, clear, and effectively illustrates the concept or rule it is intended to explain.
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Jan 29, 2024
How is an example used in education?
In education, an example is used to clarify, illustrate, or provide a practical instance of a concept or theory.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can a sample be biased?
Yes, a sample can be biased if it does not accurately represent the larger group it's supposed to reflect.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can an example be a person?
Yes, a person can serve as an example, often as a role model or a warning.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can a sample be random?
Yes, a sample can be random, which means every member of the larger group has an equal chance of being selected.
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Jan 29, 2024
How are examples used in argumentation?
In argumentation, examples are used to support claims or illustrate points being made.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can a sample represent an entire population accurately?
A well-chosen sample can accurately represent a population, but there's always a margin of error.
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Jan 29, 2024
Is an example always true?
An example can be either a true representation or a hypothetical scenario, depending on the context.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is the purpose of a sample in statistics?
In statistics, a sample is used to estimate or make inferences about the larger population from which it is drawn.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is a convenience sample?
A convenience sample is a type of sample selected based on ease of access rather than randomness.
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Jan 29, 2024
Can an example be an exception?
Yes, an example can sometimes be an exception to a rule, used to illustrate the rule's limitations.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is a stratified sample?
A stratified sample is a type of sample where the population is divided into subgroups, and samples are taken from each subgroup.
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Jan 29, 2024
How do examples help in learning?
Examples help in learning by providing concrete instances or scenarios that make abstract concepts easier to understand.
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Jan 29, 2024
Is an example always specific?
An example is usually specific to effectively demonstrate a general concept or idea.
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Jan 29, 2024
How large should a sample be?
The size of a sample depends on the purpose of the study and the population size; it should be large enough to accurately represent the population.
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Jan 29, 2024
What is the difference between a sample and a census?
A sample involves selecting a part of a population for analysis, while a census involves collecting data from the entire population.
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Jan 29, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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