## Meanings
1. A particular thing chosen to show what a larger group is like.
2. A way of behaving that others can copy, whether good or bad.
3. Something used to explain or demonstrate a rule or idea.
4. A punishment meant to warn others not to do the same thing.

## Examples
- This painting is a fine example of his early work.
- Nelson Mandela set an example for many to follow.
- The teacher gave a clear example to explain the grammar point.
- The judge decided to make an example of him.

## Synonyms
- byspel
- exemplar
- exemplificator
- exemplum

## Derived Forms
- counterexample
- exampleless
- exampler
- exemplarily
- exemplary
- exemplification
- exemplify
- nonexample

## Related Forms
- exemplar
- model
- pattern
- quotation
- template

## Roots and Affixes
- Root: *h₁em-
- Root: example
- Root: exemplum

## Etymology
From Middle English example, exaumple, from Old French example, essaumple, from Latin exemplum (“sample, pattern, specimen, copy for imitation, etc.”, literally “what is taken out”); see exempt. Doublet of exemplum and sample. Displaced native Middle English forebisne, from Old English forebȳsn; and Middle English bisne, from Old English bȳsn (modern English bizen).

## AI Etymology
Example comes from Middle English example, exaumple, from Old French example, essaumple, from Latin exemplum (“sample, pattern, specimen, copy for imitation, etc.”, literally “what is taken out”); see exempt. Doublet of exemplum and sample. Displaced native Middle English forebisne, from Old English forebȳsn; and Middle English bisne, from Old English bȳsn (modern English bizen).

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