What is sample? Pronunciation and usage in English

sample means . Learn how to pronounce and use sample through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sample

samplenoun

/ˈsɑːmp(ə)l/
Definition & pronunciation of sample

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "sample" in English. There are a few slightly different ways it's pronounced, depending on where you are and the context, but here's the most common and accepted pronunciation:

The most common pronunciation (American English):

  • sam-pul

    • sam: Like the name "Sam" – a short "a" sound, as in "cat".
    • pul: Like "pull" – rhymes with "full".

The British pronunciation:

  • sám-pl

    • sám: Similar to the "sam" sound in the American version, but often a bit shorter and more clipped. The stress is slightly further back in the word.
    • pl: Like "play" – rhymes with "day".

Here's a breakdown to help you:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("sam").
  • Vowel sound: The vowel in "sam" is a short "a" sound, as in "cat" or "hat".

Resources for hearing the pronunciation:

To help me give you even more targeted advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of English are you interested in? (American, British, Australian, etc.)

Usage and examples with the word sample in English

Let's break down how to use the word "sample" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with many different meanings! Here's a breakdown, categorized with examples:

1. As a Noun (Things you can examine):

  • A small amount of something for testing or analysis: This is probably the most common meaning.
    • Example: “The scientist needs a sample of the water to test for pollutants.”
    • Example: "I asked the doctor for a sample of my blood to check my cholesterol."
    • Example: "They sent me a sample of the new fabric to see if it's durable."
  • A portion of a larger group: This refers to representing a group.
    • Example: “The pollsters took a sample of 1,000 voters to predict the election results.”
    • Example: "The researchers analyzed a sample of 50 patients to study the effectiveness of the drug."
  • A piece of music, film, or other media: Specifically music.
    • Example: “I bought a sample of the new Beyoncé song.” (meaning a short preview)
    • Example: "The DJ used a sample from a classic movie soundtrack."

2. As a Verb (Taking a bit):

  • To take a small amount for testing or analysis: Similar to the noun usage, but describing the action.
    • Example: "The lab technician will sample the soil to determine its pH."
    • Example: “The chef sampled the soup to check the seasoning.”
  • To try a small amount of something (food, drink, etc.):
    • Example: “I sampled the appetizers at the party.” (meaning I tasted a small portion)
    • Example: "Would you sample this wine?" (meaning would you like to try a small sip?)
  • To (briefly) test or investigate something:
    • Example: “The engineers are sampling different materials to find the strongest option.”

3. Figurative/Idiomatic Uses:

  • A representative example: This is a more general use, meaning a typical or typical instance.
    • Example: “The broken toaster is a good sample of the quality of products sold at that store.” (meaning it shows the store's low quality)
  • (Informal) To briefly experience something:
    • Example: “I just sampled the local cuisine – it was amazing!” (meaning I tried a little bit of different foods)

Key Differences & Tips:

  • Noun vs. Verb: Pay attention to whether you’re talking about having a sample or taking a sample.
  • Context is Crucial: The exact meaning of “sample” depends heavily on the context.
  • Formal vs. Informal: “Sample” is generally more formal than slang terms like “taste.”

Here's a quick table to summarize:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Noun Small amount for testing "They collected a water sample."
Noun Representative portion of a group "The survey used a sample of voters."
Noun Preview (music, film) “I downloaded a sample of the song.”
Verb To take a small amount “The scientist sampled the water.”
Verb To try a small amount (food/drink) “I sampled the sushi.”

To help me give you even more specific advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to use the word "sample" in? (e.g., a writing assignment, a conversation, a specific context like science or music?)

Synonyms for the word sample

Practice with vocabulary sample

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Could you please provide a small ______ of your product for us to test before we place a bulk order?
  2. Before purchasing the software, we were offered a live ______ of its key features to understand its capabilities.
  3. The laboratory analysis requires a fresh ______ of the material to ensure accurate results.
  4. Each participant received a fair ______ of the resources allocated for the project, ensuring equity.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The researchers collected a statistically significant ______ of the population for their study on consumer behavior. a) segment b) fraction c) sample d) subset

  2. Before committing to the full order, we requested a ______ of the fabric swatches to assess their quality and color. a) selection b) example c) swatch d) sample

  3. The doctor took a blood ______ to check for any underlying conditions during the annual physical examination. a) specimen b) portion c) analysis d) sample

  4. Can you give me a clear ______ of what you mean by 'proactive customer service' in a practical business scenario? a) demonstration b) instance c) illustration d) fragment

  5. The legal team reviewed a small ______ from the lengthy contract to identify key clauses and potential risks. a) segment b) extract c) section d) whole

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to collect a representative portion of the data for our analysis. (Rewrite using a form of "sample")
  2. Potential customers were given small quantities of the new perfume to try. (Rewrite using a form of "sample")
  3. The lab required a small piece of the damaged material for inspection. (Rewrite, but do not use "sample")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. sample
  2. demonstration
  3. sample
  4. portion

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) sample, d) subset
  2. a) selection, d) sample
  3. a) specimen, d) sample
  4. b) instance, c) illustration
  5. a) segment, b) extract, c) section

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. We need to sample a representative portion of the data for our analysis. (or: We need to collect a representative data sample for our analysis.)
  2. Potential customers were given samples of the new perfume to try.
  3. The lab required a small specimen of the damaged material for inspection.

Comment ()