example

"Example" is a very common and useful English word with a few closely related meanings. You will encounter it constantly in everyday life, school, and work. Here are its most important senses.

1nouna specific case that illustrates something

When you want to explain an idea, you often show a real case to make it clearer. That real case is an 'example'. Think of it like a sample — it helps people understand something abstract by making it concrete.

everyday language, education · Modern, widely used

The teacher gave an example of how to solve the equation.

Can you think of an example where honesty caused problems?

Water turning into ice is a good example of a physical change.

2nounfigurativea model worth copying

Sometimes 'example' means a person or thing that others should copy because they behave so well. When someone says 'be an example', they mean: act in a way that others can learn from and follow.

everyday language, leadership · Modern, widely used · figurative

She set a great example by always arriving on time.

His dedication to his work is an example to us all.

Parents should try to be a good example for their children.

3nounfigurativea warning case

An 'example' can also be a case used to warn others — usually when someone is punished so that other people see what happens if they do the same thing. You will often hear the phrase 'make an example of someone'.

law, everyday language · Modern, widely used · figurative

The judge made an example of the company to discourage others from breaking the law.

The coach benched the player to make an example of him.