example
UK[ɪɡˈzɑːmpl̩]US[ɪɡˈzæmpl̩]
n
A thing characteristic of its kind or illustrating a general rule.
n
A person or thing regarded in terms of their fitness to be imitated.
n
A punishment or warning to others.
Morpheme Breakdown
ex
ample
ex
out
ample
take
Etymology
The word 'example' originates from the Latin exemplum, meaning 'sample, specimen, or model'. This Latin term is derived from the verb eximere, which combines ex- ('out') and emere ('to take'), conveying the sense of 'to take out' or 'select'. Over time, the meaning evolved from a literal 'thing taken out' as a specimen to a more abstract 'typical instance' or 'model to be followed'. The modern English sense, encompassing both a representative case and a pattern for imitation, directly continues this logical progression from a physical sample to an illustrative or exemplary ideal.
Analysis
Structure: ex (out) + ample (take)
ex- (Latin prefix meaning 'out of, from'); -ample (from Latin emere 'to take', via the derivative exemplum).
Examples
This painting is a perfect example of her early work.
Teachers should set a good example for their students.
The judge made an example of him by imposing a harsh sentence.