ensample: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very RareArchaic, Formal, Literary, Biblical/Religious
Quick answer
What does “ensample” mean?
An archaic and formal noun meaning an example, pattern, or model to be followed or imitated.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An archaic and formal noun meaning an example, pattern, or model to be followed or imitated.
In historical and religious texts, a person, story, or instance presented for moral instruction or as a precedent.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No difference in modern usage. Historically used on both sides of the Atlantic in religious/formal writing.
Connotations
Archaism, formality, religiosity, moral instruction.
Frequency
Equally rare in both UK and US contemporary English. Slightly more likely to be encountered in UK contexts due to the historical influence of the King James Bible.
Grammar
How to Use “ensample” in a Sentence
[someone] is an ensample [to someone][someone] set an ensample [of something]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “ensample” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Obsolete) Rarely used as a verb; not in modern speech/writing.
American English
- (Obsolete) Rarely used as a verb; not in modern speech/writing.
adverb
British English
- (Not applicable)
American English
- (Not applicable)
adjective
British English
- (Not applicable)
American English
- (Not applicable)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Only in historical linguistic or theological studies as a subject of analysis.
Everyday
Not used. Using it would sound deliberately archaic or pretentious.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “ensample”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “ensample”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “ensample”
- Using it as a modern synonym for 'example'.
- Mispronouncing it with stress on the first syllable (/ˈɛn.sə.mpəl/).
- Confusing it with 'example' in spelling.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It is an obsolete word found only in historical or religious texts. The modern word is 'example'.
There is no semantic difference. 'Ensample' is the older, now obsolete form of 'example', derived from Old French 'essample'.
No. You only need to recognise it passively if you read older English literature (like the King James Bible or works from the 1500s-1600s). Actively, you should always use 'example'.
Yes, distantly. Both 'example' and 'sample' (and 'ensample') derive from the same Latin root *exemplum*. 'Sample' came via Old French *essample*, while 'example' came via later French *exemple*.
An archaic and formal noun meaning an example, pattern, or model to be followed or imitated.
Ensample is usually archaic, formal, literary, biblical/religious in register.
Ensample: in British English it is pronounced /ɪnˈsɑːm.pəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ɪnˈsæm.pəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “set an ensample”
- “for ensample's sake”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: ENSAMPLE = IN + SAMPLE. A 'sample' placed 'in' a historical text for moral instruction.
Conceptual Metaphor
A ROAD/PATH TO FOLLOW (a model showing the way to behave). A COPY-PATTERN (a template for replication).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would the word 'ensample' be MOST appropriate?