Definition

1. Noun:

   • A small part or quantity intended to show what the whole is like: A "sample" is a representative piece or portion taken from a larger group or whole to demonstrate its characteristics.
   • A specimen or example of a particular category: A "sample" can be a collected item, such as a natural object, preserved to represent its class.
   • A subset of a population used in statistical analysis: In statistics, a "sample" refers to items selected from a population to test hypotheses about that population.

2. Verb:

   • To take a sample of something for testing or analysis: This involves obtaining a small part to examine its qualities.
   • To try or experience something to assess its quality: To "sample" means to test or taste a small amount of something, like food or an experience.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:

  • The doctor took a blood sample for testing.
  • The survey was based on a random sample of 1,000 voters.
  • She showed me a fabric sample before I ordered the curtains.

• Verb:

  • We were invited to sample the chef's new dishes.
  • The geologist went to the field to sample different rock types.
  • Visitors can sample the local culture at the festival.

Advanced Usage

• "to be up to sample": To meet the expected standard of quality shown by the sample.

  • The bulk delivery must be up to sample.

• In statistical contexts: Phrases like "representative sample," "sample size," and "sample mean" are common.

  • The validity of the study depends on having a representative sample.

Variants and Related Words

• Sampler (n): A person or device that takes samples; also, a collection of samples.

  • He used a soil sampler for the field test.

• Sampling (n): The act, process, or technique of selecting a sample.

  • The sampling method was carefully designed to avoid bias.

Synonyms

• Noun: Specimen, example, model, illustration, cross-section.
• Verb: Test, try, taste, experience, inspect.

Related Phrases

• Sample sale: A sale of sample or prototype items.

  • She bought a designer dress at the sample sale.

• Free sample: A small amount of a product given to customers at no cost to promote it.

  • The supermarket was giving out free samples of cheese.

Noun

1. all or part of a natural object that is collected and preserved as an example of its class
2. items selected at random from a population and used to test hypotheses about the population
3. a small part of something intended as representative of the whole

Verb

1. take a sample of
   • Try these new crackers
   • Sample the regional dishes