what is the difference in a sampler and synthesizer

[ESPplayer7]

What is the difference between these two, dont they both produce sounds via midi infomation? For what tasks might you use the two and when? Ive tried to read stuff on this subject but i cant really find a straight forward explanation differing the two

 

[MadAudio]

A synthesizer uses oscillators to create sound.

A sampler digitally records and plays back sounds. Digital recording is really just lots and lots of sampling.

Both can be commanded via MIDI to play their sounds.

 

[lumbago]

The post above nails it.

The distinction has been blurred in recent years, enabling sampled waveforms to be manipulated with filters and envelope generators on many late model synths and modules.