Difference Between Example and Sample

Example vs. Sample

At first glance, “example” and “sample” appear convey the same meaning, but there are slight yet important differences between the two concepts.

Both “example” and “sample” imply a part and also act like representatives of a whole.

An example, by definition, is a noun that shows and mirrors other things. Examples are used to exemplify and illustrate something. “Example” is also utilized as a tool for the explanation and reinforcement of a particular point. Moreover, examples are used for strict compliance or as a premeditated experience. In this manner, it is expected that the example will be followed and replicated among its audience.

Forms of examples include illustrations or citing a particular incident. Examples are often specific and almost identical to the thing they represent. However, examples are often made with the use of sight or by observation. They are also used when the representative part is impossible to recreate or reconstruct in a given situation.

On the other hand, a sample is a small part of something much bigger. Unlike an example, a sample is random and not specific. Samples are often used to describe the quality or nature of a specific whole. “Sample” is often used in statistics or quantitative research as a term to describe part of a target population. Samples are often tangible parts and can be observed using the five senses of sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing. The word “sample” can be used as a noun and verb.

The modern word “example” is a result of three evolutions. It first emerged from the Latin “exemplum,” then evolved into the Old French “example” and “essaumple,” to finally end up as the Middle English word “example.” Its original meaning is “to take out.” The word has been in usage since the 14th century.

Meanwhile, “sample” as a word is a term derived from “example.” It shares common etymological roots with the latter because it evolved from the Old French “essaumple.” It began to be used as a word a century later than “example.”

Summary:

1.Both “example” and “sample” are almost identical in meaning and function; however, they have some differing characteristics. Both terms are related in the etymological sense – “sample” was derived from “example” and shares common etymological roots with it.
2.One difference between the two concepts is in the purpose of their use. An example’s purpose is to illustrate or reinforce something. Examples are made to be followed and replicated. On the other hand, a sample is made to describe the quality and nature of something.
3.Examples are often used in situations where recreation or reconstruction is not possible; they can be seen or observed. Meanwhile, samples can be miniature and tangible representatives of a whole or an object. The five senses can be used to examine samples.
4.The term “sample” is prominently used in statistics and quantitative research as a descriptive term. In this discipline, a sample is a small number of respondents randomly selected from a population. On the other hand, examples are generally used in almost all disciplines that require illustration or clarification.
5.As a word, “example” can be used as a noun and a verb, while “sample” can be used in three ways: as a noun, verb, and adjective. The verb function and forms of “example” (exemplifying, exampled, exampling) are rarely used in common communication. This is in contrast to the noun, verb, and adjective functions and forms of “sample,” which are used in everyday life.

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