example

instance, case, illustration, example, sample, specimen mean something that exhibits distinguishing characteristics in its category. instance applies to any individual person, act, or thing that may be offered to illustrate or explain.

• • an instance of history repeating itself

case is used to direct attention to a real or assumed occurrence or situation that is to be considered, studied, or dealt with.

• • a case of mistaken identity

illustration applies to an instance offered as a means of clarifying or illuminating a general statement.

• • a telling illustration of Murphy's Law

example applies to a typical, representative, or illustrative instance or case.

• • a typical example of bureaucratic waste

sample implies a part or unit taken at random from a larger whole and so presumed to be typical of its qualities.

• • show us a sample of your work

specimen applies to any example or sample whether representative or merely existent and available.

• • one of the finest specimens of the jeweler's art

model, example, pattern, exemplar, ideal mean someone or something set before one for guidance or imitation. model applies to something taken or proposed as worthy of imitation.

• • a decor that is a model of good taste

example applies to a person to be imitated or in some contexts on no account to be imitated but to be regarded as a warning.

• • children tend to follow the example of their parents

pattern suggests a clear and detailed archetype or prototype.

• • American industry set a pattern for others to follow

exemplar suggests either a faultless example to be emulated or a perfect typification.

• • cited Joan of Arc as the exemplar of courage

ideal implies the best possible exemplification either in reality or in conception.

• • never found a job that matched his ideal