Understanding “Sample”: Definitions and Synonyms
sample – Definition and Part of Speech
The term “sample” can be used both as a noun and a verb, depending on the context in which it is applied.
- As a noun, it refers to a small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like.
- As a verb, it means to take or obtain a sample of something for analysis or testing.
This dual functionality makes “sample” quite versatile across various contexts, such as scientific research, marketing, and everyday conversation.
Core Synonyms
Here’s a list of main synonyms for “sample,” presented in table format along with their nuances:
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Specimen | Often used in scientific or medical contexts. | “The biologist studied the specimen closely.” | Formal/Scientific |
| Extract | Implies something removed from a larger source. | “We took an extract of the oil for testing.” | Academic/Formal |
| Portion | Focuses on part of a whole, more general usage. | “She gave us a portion of her homemade pie.” | Casual/Informal |
| Bit | Informal; indicates a small quantity or amount. | “Here’s just a bit of the report for review.” | Conversational/Casual |
| Sample | A small piece or part representative of something. | “This fabric sample is from our new line.” | Business/Formal |
Usage Notes
Each synonym has its own context in which it shines:
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Specimen: Best used when referring to a particular item examined for scientific purposes, e.g., biology labs or medical studies.
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Extract: Useful in contexts where something is taken out from another substance or group, especially relevant in chemistry and data analysis.
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Portion: Ideal in everyday conversation or informal settings where the emphasis is on dividing or allocating parts of a whole, such as food or tasks.
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Bit: Perfect for casual speech when referring to an unspecified small amount of something—often used when specifics are unnecessary or implied.
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Sample: Widely applicable in business and marketing, indicating a part representative of a larger product or batch being offered to consumers.
Common Pitfalls
Some common confusions related to “sample” include:
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Mistaking specimen for non-scientific contexts; it’s highly specific and typically not used outside scientific or formal writing.
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Using extract when referring to a simple small part might be overkill unless removal from the original source is implied.
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Confusing portion with a precise amount, whereas it more generally implies any division of something larger without strict specifications on size or quantity.
Final Recap
The word “sample” has several synonyms like specimen, extract, portion, bit, and remains itself as one option. Each term carries its own nuance that makes it more suitable for certain contexts—scientific, casual, business-related, etc.
- Specimen: Best for formal scientific discourse.
- Extract: Suited for academic or detailed removal processes.
- Portion: Works in informal and general settings.
- Bit: Ideal for everyday, casual usage.
- Sample: Versatile across various professional contexts.
Encourage readers to practice these words by incorporating them into sentences relevant to their interests. Experimenting with synonyms can greatly enhance vocabulary proficiency and contextual awareness.