sample
sample
Pronunciation
/ˈsæm.pəl/
Here's a breakdown of the sounds:
sam:
/s/ - The 's' sound as in "sit"
/æ/ - The short 'a' sound as in "cat"
/m/ - The 'm' sound as in "man"
ple:
/p/ - The 'p' sound as in "pen"
/əl/ - The 'ul' sound as in "pull" (the schwa sound followed by an 'l')
Word Form Variations
Noun
sample (singular) - a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.
samples (plural) - more than one sample
Verb
sample (base form) - to try or test something
samples (third person singular present) - He samples the cheese.
sampled (past tense) - She sampled the wine.
sampling (present participle) - They are sampling the different cakes.
sampled (past participle) - We have sampled all the flavors.
Additionally, "sample" can be used as an adjective, as in "sample size," but the word form itself doesn't change in this case.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like; a representative example.
Example: "The chef offered us a sample of the new dessert."
Synonyms: specimen, example, illustration, test, trial, swatch
Antonyms: whole, entirety, totality
Verb
Definition: To try or test something by taking a small part or quantity of it.
Example: "He sampled the different cheeses before making his selection."
Synonyms: test, try, experience, taste, examine
Antonyms: reject, refuse, avoid, ignore
Adjective (While "sample" isn't typically used as a standalone adjective, it modifies nouns in phrases)
Definition: Serving as an example or representative of a larger group.
Example: "The teacher provided sample questions for the upcoming exam."
Synonyms: example, model, representative, illustrative
Antonyms: atypical, unusual, exceptional, irregular
Examples of Use
Books:
Fiction: "He dipped a finger into the pot and sampled the stew, finding it perfectly seasoned." (Any fictional work where a character tastes food)
Non-Fiction: "The researchers sampled the soil at various locations to analyze its composition." (Example from a scientific study, such as "Soil Sampling and Methods of Analysis" by M.R. Carter)
Newspapers:
Article: "The latest poll sampled 1,000 registered voters nationwide." (Any news article reporting on polling data, e.g., articles in The New York Times, Washington Post)
Online Publications:
Blog post: "I sampled a variety of productivity apps before settling on my favorite." (Technology blogs, like CNET or TechCrunch, often feature reviews where the writer "samples" different products)
Entertainment:
Music: "The DJ sampled a classic soul song for his new track." (Articles discussing music production techniques, e.g., on Rolling Stone or Pitchfork)
Film/Television: "The trailer sampled some of the film's most dramatic scenes." (Reviews or discussions of films, e.g., on IMDB or Rotten Tomatoes)
General Public Discourse:
Marketing: "Free samples of the new energy drink were handed out at the event." (Common in advertising and promotional materials)
Everyday conversation: "I haven't decided which course to take yet, so I'm going to sample a few classes before registering." (Casual conversation about trying things out)
10 Famous Quotes Using Sample
"The best way to judge a person’s character is to sample how they treat those who can do nothing for them." – Anonymous
"A sample of kindness can create a ripple effect of change." – Dalai Lama
"Music is a universal language, and every sample carries a story within its sound." – Kanye West
"A single sample of experience is often more valuable than a thousand theories." – Benjamin Franklin
"History is but a sample of the future; those who ignore it are doomed to repeat it." – Winston Churchill
"A small sample of courage can inspire a lifetime of bravery." – Maya Angelou
"Science is built on careful observation, measurement, and a representative sample of truth." – Carl Sagan
"Never judge a culture by a single sample of its people; wisdom lies in understanding the whole." – Nelson Mandela
"Creativity is like cooking—you sample, mix, and refine until you find the perfect recipe." – Steve Jobs
"A single sample of failure does not define your journey, but rather teaches you where to go next." – Thomas Edison
Etymology
The word "sample" has a fascinating history, and it actually comes from the same origin as the word "example"!
Here's the simplified journey:
Latin Roots: It all began with the Latin word "exemplum," which meant "a sample" or "a model." This word was used to describe something that represented a larger whole.
Old French Connection: The Latin "exemplum" made its way into Old French, becoming "essample." It kept a similar meaning, referring to an example or pattern.
Middle English Transformation: Around the 1300s, "essample" was shortened to "saumple" in Middle English. Interestingly, at first, it mainly meant something that proved a statement, like evidence.
Modern Meaning: By the 1400s, "sample" started to mean what we know it as today: a small part representing the whole. Think of a "sample" of fabric or a "sample" of food.
So, "sample" and "example" are like cousins, both originating from the same Latin ancestor. They've evolved slightly in meaning, but they both relate to the idea of representing something larger.
The first recorded use of "sample" in English was around 1380, in religious writings. It's amazing how this word has evolved over centuries, from proving a point to tasting cheese!
Phrases + Idioms Containing Sample
"Sample" isn't as common in established idioms compared to some other words. This might be because it's a more specific action (taking a small part) rather than a broader concept that lends itself to figurative language.
However, here's a mix of some lesser-known phrases, original creations, and idioms using synonyms to achieve a similar meaning:
Phrases with "sample"
Sample the delights: This encourages trying out the enjoyable things in a situation or place. (e.g., "Come to the festival and sample the delights of local cuisine.")
A sample of one's work: This refers to a piece or selection representing someone's abilities. (e.g., "The architect presented a sample of her work to potential clients.")
Sample the atmosphere: This means to briefly experience the mood or feeling of a place or event. (e.g., "We stopped by the party to sample the atmosphere before making plans for the weekend.")
Original phrases
Sample the waters: Similar to "test the waters," this means cautiously trying something new or unknown. (e.g., "Before investing heavily, he decided to sample the waters with a small purchase.")
A sample of one's best: This describes someone showcasing their top skills or qualities. (e.g., "The athlete gave a sample of his best during the championship game.")
Idioms with synonyms
Dip a toe in the water: This idiom means to try something tentatively or cautiously, similar to "sample the waters." (e.g., "She decided to dip a toe in the water by taking a beginner's photography class.")
Get a taste of: This implies experiencing something briefly to understand its nature, like sampling. (e.g., "He got a taste of fame when his song went viral.")
Test the waters: This idiom, like "sample the waters," means to proceed cautiously before fully committing. (e.g., "The company decided to test the waters with a limited release of their new product.")
While "sample" might not be the star of many idioms, these examples show how it can be used creatively in phrases or replaced with synonyms to achieve similar figurative meanings.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of sample from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
