statistics
Statistics are facts or information that are given in the form of numbers. It is also the science of collecting and studying these numbers to understand things better.
Examples
3 of 5The statistics show that many people like to drink coffee in the morning.
The numbers show that many people enjoy coffee in the morning.
The government released the latest employment statistics this afternoon.
The government gave the newest information about jobs today.
Check out these cool stats about the game last night!
Look at these interesting numbers from the game yesterday.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of 'Stats' + 'Sticks'. You use 'stats' to make facts 'stick' to the paper so you don't forget them.
Quick Quiz
The ___ for the soccer game show that our team ran 10 kilometers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: statistics
Examples
The statistics show that many people like to drink coffee in the morning.
everydayThe numbers show that many people enjoy coffee in the morning.
The government released the latest employment statistics this afternoon.
formalThe government gave the newest information about jobs today.
Check out these cool stats about the game last night!
informalLook at these interesting numbers from the game yesterday.
Statistics is a difficult but important subject for science students.
academicThe study of numbers is a hard but useful class for students.
Our sales statistics have improved every month this year.
businessOur record of sales has become better every month.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
vital statistics
important numbers like births and deaths
descriptive statistics
numbers used to describe a group
lies, damned lies, and statistics
a phrase meaning numbers can be used to trick people
Often Confused With
A 'statistic' is one single number, while 'statistics' is the whole group or the study itself.
Usage Notes
Use 'statistics' with a plural verb (e.g., 'The statistics are...') when referring to a collection of numbers. Use a singular verb (e.g., 'Statistics is...') when referring to the school subject or science.
Common Mistakes
Learners often use a plural verb when talking about the science (subject of study), but it should be singular in that case.
Memory Tip
Think of 'Stats' + 'Sticks'. You use 'stats' to make facts 'stick' to the paper so you don't forget them.
Word Origin
From the Latin word 'status', meaning 'state', because it originally meant information about the state or country.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many English-speaking countries, people are skeptical of statistics because they believe politicians use them to hide the truth.
Quick Quiz
The ___ for the soccer game show that our team ran 10 kilometers.
Correct!
The correct answer is: statistics
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
More science words
oxygen
A1A gas with no color, taste, or smell that is necessary for all human and animal life. It makes up about 21 percent of the Earth's atmosphere and is essential for the process of breathing.
hydrogen
A1Hydrogen is a chemical element that is the lightest and most common gas in the universe. It has no color or smell and combines with oxygen to make water (H2O).
nitrogen
A1Nitrogen is a colorless and odorless gas that makes up most of the Earth's atmosphere. It is a chemical element that is essential for all living things to grow, especially plants.
polymer
A1A polymer is a large molecule made of many smaller units that are connected in a long chain. These materials can be natural, like rubber or wood, or synthetic, like plastic and nylon.
prime number
A1A prime number is a whole number greater than 1 that cannot be made by multiplying other whole numbers. It can only be divided evenly by itself and the number 1.
ratio
A1A ratio is a way to compare two amounts of things. It shows how much of one thing there is compared to another thing, like 2 parts water to 1 part juice.
perimeter
A1The perimeter is the total distance around the outside edge of a shape or an area. In math and science, it is found by adding the lengths of all the sides of an object.
diameter
A1The diameter is the length of a straight line that goes through the center of a circle or a round object, connecting two points on its edge. It is the measurement that tells you how wide a circle or sphere is at its widest point.
radius
A1A radius is a straight line from the center of a circle to its outer edge. It is also used to describe the distance from a center point in any direction to mark an area.
circumference
A1The circumference is the distance around the outside edge of a circle or a round object. It is a measurement that tells you how long the boundary of a round shape is.
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