What's the difference between Example and Sample? [closed]

What's the difference between Example and Sample?

In Spanish it's the same word, but in English it is 2 different words. What is the difference?

Solution 1:

This is one of those cases where the dictionary definitions aren't very helpful to differentiate the meanings. The difference is a little subtle.

Think of a sample as a random selection from a group. The selection doesn't need to be random, but that concept provides the flavor of the manner in which the selection is representative. It is representative of the group in the sense that it came from the group, but it may or may not be the choice that best epitomizes the group.

An example is a selection from a group that epitomizes the group, something that can serve as a model.

Luis Valencia - MVP's comment raises computer-related use of the terms. "Sample" is often used for a chunk of code, a formula, or other similar snippet that illustrates in a generic or abstract way how something is structured or used, often with just enough content to illustrate a specific aspect. This might indicate whether something could be suitable to a purpose, or provide generic guidance on how it might be used. "Example" is often applied to something more complete, that illustrates the usage in context to solve some problem.