sample — a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈsæmpəl/
Example Sentences
- The detective took a sample of the mysterious green slime from the kitchen floor.
- She collected samples of her cat's fur to prove her theory about alien visitations.
- The survey was conducted with a sample of 1,000 people across the country.
sample
NOUN[/ˈsæmpəl/]
a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like
The sales associate offers a sample of cream to try
One small sample shows ample success - a perfect example!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word sample derives from Old French essample (14th century), which stems from Latin exemplum meaning 'example' or 'pattern'. The semantic evolution progressed from 'something that serves as a model or example' to the modern sense of 'a specimen or representative portion'.
Breakdown
ex- (out) + emere (take) → Latin exemplum (example/pattern) → Old French essample → English sample. The Latin root exemplum combines the prefix ex- (meaning 'out') with emere (meaning 'take'), literally 'something taken out as a pattern'.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The detective took a sample of the mysterious green slime from the kitchen floor.”
“She collected samples of her cat's fur to prove her theory about alien visitations.”
“The survey was conducted with a sample of 1,000 people across the country.”
“Scientists will sample the lake water to check for pollution levels.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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