What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sample
Example
The store is offering free samples of their new ice cream flavor. [sample: noun]
Example
We need to sample the water to check for contaminants. [sample: verb]
specimen
Example
The museum has a rare specimen of a dinosaur bone. [specimen: noun]
Example
The doctor requested a specimen of my blood for testing. [specimen: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sample is more commonly used than specimen in everyday language. Sample is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while specimen is more specific and often used in scientific or research contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sample and specimen?
Specimen is typically associated with a more formal or scientific tone, while sample can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
