ENGLISH
REFERENCE

statistically

adv.
US //stəˈtɪstɪkəɫi// UK //stɐtˈɪstɪkli// sta·tis·ti·cal·ly
  1. 1 based on data (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Math

    in a way that relates to the study of numbers and data.

    with respect to the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data.

    Example

    The two groups were statistically similar in age and income.

    Example

    The researchers found that the two patient cohorts were statistically indistinguishable across all primary demographic variables.

    Usage

    Often used to modify adjectives like 'significant', 'similar', or 'different' in research contexts.
  2. 2 according to probability (adv.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Academic Science

    used to say that something is likely or unlikely based on facts and patterns.

    according to the laws of probability or the evidence provided by a large sample of data.

    Example

    Statistically, flying is much safer than driving a car.

    Example

    Statistically speaking, the likelihood of a catastrophic failure is negligible when compared to the risks associated with daily industrial operations.

    Usage

    Frequently appears at the beginning of a sentence to frame the following statement as a fact based on probability.
Origin

From statistical + -ly.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026