Example facts for kids

An example is like a short story or a quick anecdote. It is used to help explain something else, like an idea or a concept. Think of it as a helpful way to show what you mean instead of just telling.

The word "example" comes from the Latin word exemplum. You might also see the letters e.g. These letters are a short way of saying exempli gratia, which means "for example" in Latin.

What is an Example?

An example helps make a point clear. If you are trying to explain a difficult idea, giving an example can make it much easier to understand. It gives people a picture in their minds.

For instance, if you are talking about "fast animals," you might give an example like a cheetah. This helps everyone know exactly what kind of animal you mean.

Examples Through History

Long ago, in the Middle Ages, many people could not read. Preachers and priests often used examples in their sermons. They would tell short stories to explain parts of the bible.

They also used examples to teach people how to live good lives. These stories helped everyone understand important lessons, even if they could not read books themselves.

"Making an Example"

Sometimes, you might hear the phrase "make an example." This means that when someone faces a consequence for their actions, it can be used to show others what might happen if they do something similar.

It is a way to help people learn from what happened to someone else. The idea is to encourage everyone to make good choices and avoid similar situations.