B1noun1K

Sample

UK /["/ˈsɑːmpl/"]/US /["/ˈsæmpl/"]/

Definition

a number of people or things taken from a larger group and used in tests to provide information about the group

In simple words: A small part of something used to show what the whole is like.

Examples

  • He provided a sample of the product for us to test.
  • The artist shared a sample of her new song with her fans.
  • During the experiment, we took a sample of the soil.
  • The teacher used a sample question to explain the exam format.
  • There were several samples on display at the science fair.

Usage notes

Used in scientific, business, and educational contexts when referring to testing or showing examples. Avoid in casual conversations unless discussing products or experiences.

Grammar pattern

sample + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'simple'—think of a small, simple part representing a bigger picture.

Collocations

  • large
  • small
  • total
  • draw
  • select
  • comprise something
  • consist of something
  • size
  • survey
  • group
  • sample from
  • sample of
  • blood
  • faecal/​fecal
  • serum
  • collect
  • obtain
  • take
  • contain
  • show
  • sample of
  • free
  • book
  • sample of

Synonyms

  • specimen
  • example
  • instance
  • portion
  • extract

Antonyms

  • whole
  • entirety

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'sample' with 'exemplar' - they have different meanings.
  • Using 'sampled' incorrectly as a verb form in past tense.
  • Mixing up 'sample' as a noun and a verb.