Word
data points
Plural noun
Definition
compound. individual pieces of information or facts that you collect. You use these to look for patterns or to prove a point in a study or report.
compound. discrete units of information or specific values within a larger set of observations. Often used in statistical analysis to identify trends or correlations.
Examples
“We need more data points before we can make a decision.”
“The researcher plotted several data points on the graph to show how the temperature changed over the month.”
“While a single outlier might be dismissed as an error, a cluster of similar data points suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior that warrants further investigation.”
Examples
simple
“We need more data points before we can make a decision.”
contextual
“The researcher plotted several data points on the graph to show how the temperature changed over the month.”
complex
“While a single outlier might be dismissed as an error, a cluster of similar data points suggests a significant shift in consumer behavior that warrants further investigation.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “data points” in context.
Verb
01. analyse data points
“The team will analyse data points to find patterns in sales.”
verb + noun
02. collect data points
“Researchers collected data points from over 500 households.”
verb + noun
03. compare data points
“It is useful to compare data points from different years.”
verb + noun
04. data points show
“These data points show a sharp rise in online shopping.”
noun + verb
05. data points suggest
“The data points suggest a link between sleep and exam results.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. key data points
“The report highlights three key data points about youth unemployment.”
adj + noun
07. multiple data points
“You need multiple data points to identify a clear trend.”
adj + noun
08. a range of data points
“The study covers a range of data points from 2010 to 2025.”
09. based on key data points
“The decision was based on key data points from customer feedback.”
10. collect key data points
“Interviewers were trained to collect key data points quickly.”
11. compare data points over time
“It helps to compare data points over time to see progress.”
12. data points suggest a trend
“These data points suggest a trend towards remote working.”
Usage
Usually appears in the plural form; a single instance is a 'data point'.
Etymology
A compound of 'data', from the Latin 'datum' meaning 'something given', and 'points'. The term gained prominence in the mid-20th century alongside the rise of modern statistics and computer science. It describes the physical or conceptual location of a value on a coordinate system.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
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