sample point
Medium (B2–C1)Formal, technical, academic
Definition
Meaning
A single, specific location or position where data is collected or a measurement is taken.
A specific moment or element within a larger set used to make inferences about the whole; in statistics, an individual outcome or observation from a sample space.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Most common in technical and statistical contexts. While literally a 'point' in space, it's often used metaphorically for an instance in time or a single data unit.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Spelling follows national conventions ('centre' vs 'center' in surrounding text).
Connotations
Identical technical meaning in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in US academic/scientific publications due to larger output volume, but proportional usage is the same.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] a sample pointsample point [preposition] [noun]at sample point XVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None standard”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to a specific data location in market research or quality control processes.
Academic
Key term in statistics, research methodology, and experimental design.
Everyday
Rare in casual conversation; might be used in DIY or gardening (e.g., soil testing).
Technical
Precise location for sensor readings, statistical unit, coordinate in sampling.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- To sample point locations, the technician followed a strict grid.
- We need to sample point by point along the transect.
American English
- The software allows you to sample point data efficiently.
- They sampled point sources of pollution across the county.
adverb
British English
- Data was collected sample point by sample point.
- He worked sample-point meticulously.
American English
- Measure sample point carefully.
- The readings were taken sample-point systematically.
adjective
British English
- The sample-point analysis revealed clustering.
- Follow the sample-point methodology in the appendix.
American English
- The sample-point data was inconclusive.
- We use a sample-point approach for accuracy.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We took a sample point of the water to test it.
- Look at this sample point on the map.
- Each sample point on the graph shows a different temperature.
- The scientist marked a sample point where she found the plant.
- The study used 50 random sample points to ensure representativeness.
- Variation between sample points indicated a pattern in the soil quality.
- The covariance matrix was calculated for each multivariate sample point.
- Outliers at certain sample points necessitated a review of the sampling protocol.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'sample' of cake and a 'point' on a map. A sample point is like one specific speck of cake taken from a precise spot for testing.
Conceptual Metaphor
A REPRESENTATIVE MICROCOSM (one small point represents a larger whole).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid калька 'точка сэмпла' or 'сэмпл поинт'. Use 'точка выборки', 'элемент выборки', or 'наблюдение' depending on context.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'sample point' for a 'sampling point' (the latter is where samples are taken FROM). Confusing it with 'sample size' (which is the number of points).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sample point' LEAST likely to be used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In many contexts, yes, they are synonyms. However, 'sample point' strongly emphasises that the point comes from a sample (a subset) of a larger population, while 'data point' is more general.
Yes, especially in time-series data or monitoring. For example, 'a sample point at 14:00 hours' means the measurement taken at that specific time.
A 'sample point' is the individual unit of data or observation. A 'sampling point' is the physical or conceptual location FROM WHICH a sample (which may contain many sample points) is taken.
No. It is a medium-frequency technical term. Learners at B1 level and above in scientific or research fields will encounter it, but it is not essential for general conversation.