Word
outlier
Phoneticsout·li·er, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈaʊtɫaɪɝ/
UK/ˈaʊtlˌaɪə/
Definition
n. a value or piece of data that is very different from the others in a group. In geology, it can also describe a rock or mineral that is found far from where it usually appears.
n. a data point that significantly deviates from the rest of a sample or population. In a geological context, it refers to a rock or mineral occurrence that is chemically or geographically distinct from its surrounding area.
Examples
“The number 100 is an outlier in this small data set.”
“The researcher noticed that one of the test results was an outlier, suggesting a possible error in the measurement process.”
“Geologists identified a granite outlier within a field of sedimentary rock, indicating a period of intense tectonic activity that had pushed the intrusive body to the surface.”
Examples
simple
“The number 100 is an outlier in this small data set.”
contextual
“The researcher noticed that one of the test results was an outlier, suggesting a possible error in the measurement process.”
complex
“Geologists identified a granite outlier within a field of sedimentary rock, indicating a period of intense tectonic activity that had pushed the intrusive body to the surface.”
Real-World Examples
“Orbit’s first Strange Cargo album seemed like a curio: an outlier in the pop landscape of 1987.” “This may make him something of an outlier in Hollywood.” Etymology
From outlie + -er.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Domains
- 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.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL 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: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/outlier