example

Example is the term used to denote a particular instance that illustrates a broader concept, rule, or principle. The word comes from Latin exemplum, meaning "a sample" or "an instance shown." In everyday language, examples clarify ideas, support explanations, and help generalize from a specific case to a general rule.

In education and rhetoric, examples are used to demonstrate how a concept works and to guide learners toward recognizing patterns. In logic and mathematics, an example may illustrate a theorem or definition, while a counterexample shows that a claim is false under some circumstances. In scientific writing, examples are employed to ground arguments in concrete observations and to distinguish typical cases from exceptions. In programming and data science, example programs or datasets show how a function or system is intended to operate.

The term is also used as a proper noun in popular culture. Example is the stage name of Elliott John Gleave, a British singer and rapper who rose to prominence in the late 2000s and early 2010s with tracks such as "Changed the Way You Kissed Me" and "Kickstart." His career illustrates how a common linguistic term can become a recognizable personal brand.

Related concepts include exemplars and counterexamples, which are specific kinds of examples used to classify, prove, or disprove statements.