Samples Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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samples

[ˈsæmpəlz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in a laboratory

small portion of a substance or material used for analysis or testing

Synonyms

example, portion, specimen.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
samples

Used when referring to small amounts of something to be tested, analyzed, or shown as a representation of the larger whole.

  • We took water samples from the river to test for pollution
  • The teacher gave us samples of different kinds of poetry
specimen

Utilized in scientific or medical contexts to refer to an individual sample for study or analysis.

  • The lab analyzed blood specimens to check for the infection
  • This butterfly is a rare specimen
example

Used to illustrate a point or concept, often with the intention of teaching or explaining.

  • For example, if you add 2 and 2, you get 4
  • That painting is an example of modern art
portion

Refers to a part of a whole, often used in the context of food or servings.

  • She served a large portion of cake
  • Could I have a portion of the roast beef, please?

Examples of usage

  • A scientist needs a sample of the soil for the experiment.
  • The lab technician took a sample of the patient's blood.
  • We require a sample of the new fabric for quality testing.
Context #2 | Noun

in statistics

a subset of a population used to represent the whole

Synonyms

representation, selection, subset.

Examples of usage

  • The survey was conducted using a random sample of 1000 people.
  • The sample size was too small to draw accurate conclusions.
  • The pollster selected a sample of voters to interview.
Context #3 | Verb

music production

to digitally record a sound or piece of music for later use

Synonyms

copy, extract, record.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
samples

Use 'samples' when referring to small parts or quantities taken to represent a larger amount or to test something.

  • The scientist collected soil samples from different sites.
  • We received samples of the new fabric.
record

Use 'record' when referring to the act of documenting or keeping a permanent account of something, or when indicating a stored audio or video file.

  • She kept a record of her daily expenses.
  • The band released a new record last month.
extract

Use 'extract' when referring to a small part of a written work or data taken from a larger body, or when something is physically pulled out or obtained from a source.

  • The report included an extract from the latest research paper.
  • Vanilla extract is used in baking.
copy

Use 'copy' when referring to a reproduction or replication of an original item.

  • Please make a copy of this document.
  • He handed me a copy of his latest book.

Examples of usage

  • The producer sampled a famous song to create a new track.
  • She likes to sample different genres when making beats.
  • The DJ will sample some old vinyl records for the remix.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • In scientific experiments, samples are crucial for testing hypotheses and are often collected in controlled environments.
  • Genetic studies commonly use samples like blood or saliva to analyze DNA and understand hereditary traits.
  • Sampling methods in statistics help researchers make predictions about larger populations by studying smaller groups.

Marketing

  • It’s common for companies to give out product samples to attract customers, allowing them to try before they buy.
  • Sampling strategies can significantly influence consumer behavior, making new launches more successful.
  • Often seen in grocery stores, samples are strategically placed to improve sales of related products.

Art and Music

  • In music, 'sampling' involves taking a portion of one sound recording and reusing it in a different song, creating a new work.
  • Artists might use 'samples' of colors or textures to experiment before finishing a larger piece.
  • The art of sampling has led to the emergence of new genres, particularly in hip-hop and electronic music.

Education

  • In educational settings, sample tests are often provided to help students prepare for larger examinations.
  • Teachers use samples of student work to showcase different skill levels and guide their teaching methods.
  • In research, sampling allows educators to understand curriculum effectiveness over larger student bodies.

Origin of 'samples'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sample' comes from the Old French 'essample,' which means a 'test' or 'example.'
  • Its roots can be traced back to the Latin word 'exemplum,' meaning 'example' or 'model.'
  • The use of 'samples' in trade dates back to the medieval times, where merchants would offer small portions to entice buyers.

The word 'sample' originated from the Old French word 'essample', which meant 'example'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a small portion or subset of something used for analysis or demonstration. The use of 'sample' in statistics became popular in the 20th century with the rise of survey research and data analysis. In music production, 'sampling' refers to the practice of taking a portion of a sound recording and reusing it in a different song or composition. Today, 'sample' is a commonly used term in various fields, from science to art.


See also: sampler, sampling.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,525, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.