Sample Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sample
[ˈsɑːmpəl ]
Definitions
general
A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sample |
Use 'sample' when referring to a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like. This is common in scientific, culinary, and marketing settings.
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| specimen |
Use 'specimen' when referring to an individual or item taken as an example of a whole group, typically in scientific, medical, or biological contexts.
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| example |
Use 'example' when you want to illustrate a general rule or concept with something specific. It is often used in educational and explanatory contexts.
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| model |
Use 'model' for representing a system or object, often in a simplified or scaled form. This is frequent in scientific, educational, and engineering contexts.
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Examples of usage
- A sample of the new fabric
- Samples of food were distributed among the crowd
scientific
A small part or quantity of something that is intended to show what the rest is like.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sample |
This word is often used when referring to a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like. It's common in contexts like research, marketing, and product testing.
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| specimen |
Used primarily in scientific and medical contexts to refer to an individual sample taken for study, examination, or display. It can sometimes carry a clinical or formal tone.
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| example |
This word is used to illustrate or clarify a point, concept, or instruction. It's often used in educational and explanatory settings.
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| model |
This word often refers to a scaled or non-functional representation of something or someone which serves as a pattern or representation. It's frequently used in contexts like art, architecture, and business.
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Examples of usage
- Samples of blood were taken for analysis
- The soil samples were sent to the laboratory for testing
general
Take a sample or samples of something for analysis.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sample |
Used when referring to taking a small part or quantity from something to look at it more closely or to try it out.
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| test |
Used when conducting an experiment or a procedure to evaluate the qualities, performance, or reliability of something, especially in scientific or technical contexts.
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| analyze |
Commonly used in academic, technical, or professional settings when talking about studying something in detail to understand it.
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| examine |
Often used when inspecting something closely and carefully to learn more about it. Can be applied in both medical and investigative contexts.
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Examples of usage
- The water is sampled at least monthly
- We need to sample different varieties of wine
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In scientific research, a sample is often used to infer characteristics of a larger population with less effort.
- Sampling techniques, like random sampling, help ensure results are valid and avoid bias.
- Quality control in manufacturing often involves sampling products to ensure they meet standards before shipment.
Music
- In music production, sampling is when artists use bits of existing songs to create new works, blending different sounds.
- Notable songs have been built using samples, showcasing creativity and innovation in the industry.
- The practice has sparked discussions about copyright, ownership, and the original creator's rights.
Business
- Businesses often use market samples to gauge customer preferences before launching new products.
- Promotional samples are common, such as giving away free product samples to entice customers.
- Customer feedback on samples can greatly influence future product development choices.
Literature
- In literature, a sample chapter can provide readers with a preview of a book, enticing them to read more.
- Publishing companies often rely on sample excerpts to market their latest novels to determine reader interest.
- Famous authors sometimes share sample pages to engage with their audience before a book's release.
Origin of 'sample'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Old French 'essample', which means 'example' or 'model'.
- It was adopted into English in the 14th century, indicating something taken as a representational part.
- The Latin root 'exemplum' also has ties to the idea of providing an example for others.
The word 'sample' originated from the Old French word 'essample', which came from the Latin word 'exemplum', meaning 'example'. It has been used in English since the 13th century. Originally, 'sample' referred to a piece of cloth or other material for inspection or testing. Over time, the meaning expanded to include a small part or quantity intended to represent the whole.