illustration

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