statistics
English meaning: Statistics
Definition
A mathematical science concerned with data collection, presentation, analysis, and interpretation.
Example
“Statistics is the only mathematical field required for many social sciences.”
Another example: “Recent statistics reveal a sharp rise in city rents.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A noun used two ways: as the name of the mathematical discipline (singular verb: 'statistics is...') and as a set of numerical data ('the statistics show...', plural verb). Common in academic, journalistic, and scientific writing.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From German 'Statistik' ('science of the state'), from Latin 'statisticus', from 'status' ('state'), in English from the late 18th century.
Related Words
- pupils
- accurate
- statistical
- regression
- enrollment
- contested
- grades
- probability
- cbs
- kindergarten
Common Collocations
- according to statistics
- official statistics
- statistics show
- crime statistics
- vital statistics
Word Forms
statistic (sing, a single figure); statistics (n); statistical (adj); statistician (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B