Sample

Part of speech: noun, verb

Pronunciation: /ˈsɑːm.pəl/

Definitions

  1. A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like
  2. A representative subset intended to reflect the qualities of a larger group or to facilitate examination and understanding of its characteristics
  3. A small portion taken to represent a larger whole | A part used for analysis that aims to demonstrate the features of the totality | A segment chosen to illustrate the traits of a more extensive body

Etymology: The word "sample" entered English in the late Middle Ages, around the 14th century, initially as a noun referring to a portion or specimen taken from a larger whole to illustrate the quality or nature of that whole. It was borrowed from Old French "essample," which itself came from Latin "exemplum," meaning "example" or "model." This Latin root is also the source of the English word "example," showing a close conceptual link between the ideas of a representative part and a model to be followed or examined. Originally, "sample" carried the sense of a pattern or specimen used for comparison or inspection—such as a piece of cloth or a quantity of goods taken to test the entire shipment. Over time, the term broadened in scope to apply not only to physical objects but also to abstract concepts like sound recordings or data. The verb form arose naturally from the noun, meaning to take or try a sample from something, reflecting a shift from the object itself to the action of selecting or testing. The Latin root "exemplum" derives from "eximere," meaning "to take out," which aligns with the idea of extracting a representative portion. This etymology highlights how the concept of "sample" is fundamentally about selection and representation—taking out a piece to stand for the whole. The word has maintained this core meaning throughout its history, even as its applications have expanded into scientific, commercial, and artistic fields. By the 17th century, "sample" had become firmly established in English usage, especially in trade and science, where precision and verification through representative parts became crucial. Its evolution from a simple example or model to a technical term in fields like statistics and quality control illustrates the word’s adaptability and the growing complexity of human knowledge and industry.

Synonyms: specimen, example, prototype, exemplar, model

Antonyms: whole, entirety, complete