n. One of a number of things, or a part of anything, generally a small quantity, exhibited or serving to show the character or quality of the whole; a representative part or instance; a sample; a specimen; an exemplar.n. An instance serving for illustration; a particular case or circumstance, quotation, or other thing, illustrating a general statement, proposition, rule, or truth.n. A pattern in morals or manners worthy of imitation; a model of conduct or manner; an archetype; one who or that which is proposed or is proper to be imitated.n. An instance serving for a warning; a warning.n. In zoology, a prepared specimen.n. In mathematics, an arithmetical or algebraic problem, illustrating a rule or method, to be worked out by a student: as, an example in addition; an example in quadratics.n. Synonyms Example, Pattern, Model, Precedent, Ideal, Instance; archetype, prototype; exemplification. Example is the most general of these words; it is the only one of them that admits application to that which is to be avoided. An example is something to guide the understanding, so that one may decide what to do and what not to do. Pattern and model express that which is to be closely followed or copied; they primarily refer to physical shape: as, an artist's model; but also freely to the shaping of conduct and character: as, a pattern of sobriety; a model of virtue. Perhaps model suggests the more complete example, but the difference between the two words in this respect is small. A precedent is an example set in the past, as a legal decision which may be pleaded in law as the basis of a further decision, and in private affairs a thing once done or allowed, and so pleaded as a reason or an excuse for more of the same sort: as, a precedent for indulgence. An ideal is a model of perfection, primarily imaginary, but by hyperbole sometimes real. An example is generally a representative person or thing, but the word is sometimes used instead of instance with reference to a representative act or course of conduct: as, to prove a rule by examples; to prove a man's fidelity or treachery by instances or examples.To furnish with examples; give examples of.To justify by the authority of an example.To set or make an example of; present as an example.To give an example.