Even while the words “example” and “sample” seem to indicate the same thing on the surface, there are subtle but crucial distinctions between them.
Despite the fact that Example and Sample have particular implications, the two terms are some of the time utilized conversely. It’s important to note that examples and samples are not interchangeable regarding use and connotation.
Key Takeaways
- An example is a single instance or illustration of a concept or idea, while a sample represents a larger group or population.
- Examples are used to clarify or explain a concept or idea, while samples are used to make inferences about the larger group or population.
- Examples are used in teaching and learning, while samples are used in research and data analysis.
Example vs Sample
The difference between Example and Sample is that The term ‘example’ is used in the meaning of ‘illustration’ to clarify or substantiate what is stated. On the other hand, the term ‘sample’ is used synonymously with the terms’ model and specimen. The current term “example” evolved via three stages. It originated as the Latin word “exemplum,” then developed into the Old French words “example” and “essaumple” before becoming the Middle English word “example.” The term “sample” is derived from the phrase “example.”
As the name implies, an example is anything that demonstrates or reflects something else. When illustrating or exemplifying a point, examples are employed.
The word “example” is frequently used to explain and emphasize a certain point. Examples may also be utilized to ensure rigorous compliance or provide a planned experience for the listener or reader.
As a result, it’s anticipated that the example will be emulated by the others who hear it.
A sample is a tiny portion of a much larger whole. In contrast to an example, a sample is a random and non-specific collection of data. Samples are employed to convey information about the quality or character of a particular whole.
In statistics and quantitative research, the word “sample” refers to a subset of a target population.
Samples are physical components that may be seen with the five senses of sight, touch, taste, and smell. The term “sample” is both a noun and a verb.
Comparison Table
| Parameters Of Comparison | Example | Sample |
|---|---|---|
| Usage | The term ‘example’ is used in the sense of ‘illustration,’ meaning that it is utilized to illustrate or support what is stated. | The term sample is used synonymously with model or specimen.’ |
| Concept | Examples are presented in such a way that they may be followed and copied. | A sample is created to provide information about the quality and type of something. |
| Definition | By definition, an example is a noun that demonstrates and reflects other things. | A sample is a tiny portion of a much larger whole. |
| Association | While the term “example” is more used in education to demonstrate concepts. | The term “sample” is closely linked with sales, marketing, and statistics. |
| Usage in real life | A tangible thing or an activity may serve as an example. A sample must consist only of a tangible thing. | A sample must consist only of a tangible thing. |
What is an Example?
Explanation or support is conveyed via the use of examples. As an example, consider anything that falls within a specific category.
Others might be included in this area as well. As the name implies, an example is anything that demonstrates or reflects something else.
When illustrating or exemplifying a point, examples are employed. The word “example” is frequently used to explain and emphasize a certain point.
Examples may also be utilized to ensure rigorous compliance or provide a planned experience for the listener or reader. As a result, it’s anticipated that the example will be emulated by the others who hear it.
Illustrations and citing a specific instance are examples of examples. Examples are quite exact, resembling the item they represent nearly verbatim.
Examples, on the other hand, are provided via the use of sight or observation.
They’re also used when it’s hard to duplicate or reassemble the representative portion in a particular setting. There have been three changes in the meaning of “example” to get to where we are now.
After starting with the Latin word “exemplum,” the word “example” developed into two Old French words, “example” and “essaumple.” The root meaning is “to remove” in the phrase. The phrase first appeared in print in the late fourteenth century.
What is Sample?
Model or specimen are both terms used to describe what is referred to as a sample in this context. A little component or section, on the other hand, that is designed to demonstrate what the entire looks like is referred to as a microcosm.
Samples are little pieces of something considerably more significant than they are. A sample, in contrast to an example, is random and non-specific.
Samples are employed to describe the character or nature of a given whole rather than the entire itself. When it comes to statistics or quantitative research, the word “sample” refers to a subset of a target population.
Samples are physical pieces that may be seen with the five senses of sight, touch, taste, smell, and hearing, among other things. The word “sample” may be used both as a noun and as a verb in a sentence.
Meanwhile, the word “sample” is a concept derived from the word “example.” Because it developed from the Old French word “essaumple,” it has etymological origins in common. It was used as a term for the first time a century after the word “example.”
Random sampling is the most used sampling technique. To ensure that every populace member has an equal chance of being picked, each sample is drawn at random from the whole population. It’s an impartial sample.
Thus the findings are excellent. It is customary to use the lottery approach for picking random samples. There is a lucky number generated for each member of the population.
Main Differences Between Example and Sample
- Examples are presented in such a way that they may be followed and copied. On the other hand, a sample is created to provide information about the quality and type of an object.
- When reproduction or reconstruction is not feasible, examples are employed; they may be viewed or observed. Meanwhile, samples may be tiny and physical representations of a larger entity or item.
- A sample is a subset of respondents drawn at random from a larger population. On the other hand, examples are used to illustrate or clarify concepts in practically all disciplines.
- The term ‘example’ is used in the sense of ‘illustration,’ meaning it is utilized to illustrate or support what is stated. By contrast, the term sample is used to refer to a model’s specimen.’
- The term “example” is more used in education to demonstrate concepts, but the word “sample” is frequently used in sales and marketing and in statistics.
- https://www.jstor.org/stable/2332638
- https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/001316447003000308
Last Updated : 13 July, 2023
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Emma Smith holds an MA degree in English from Irvine Valley College. She has been a Journalist since 2002, writing articles on the English language, Sports, and Law. Read more about me on her bio page.
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