statistics
- 01 B1 Intermediate
the science of collecting, organizing, and looking at numbers to find patterns or facts.
the branch of applied mathematics concerned with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data.
Simple“She decided to study statistics at university to help her career in business.”
In context“Statistics provides the essential framework for validating experimental results in the social sciences, ensuring that observed patterns are not merely the result of chance.”
UsageTreated as a singular noun when referring to the academic subject.
PitfallStatistics are a difficult subject. Statistics is a difficult subject.When referring to the field of study, 'statistics' is treated as a singular noun and takes a singular verb.
Synonymsdata scienceanalysis - 02 B1 Intermediate
a collection of numbers or facts that show information about something.
a systematic collection of quantitative data or measurements relating to a particular group or phenomenon.
Simple“The latest statistics show that more people are working from home than ever before.”
In context“Government statistics regarding unemployment were released this morning, revealing a slight but significant decrease in the number of long-term claimants.”
UsageTreated as a plural noun when referring to the data points themselves.
PitfallThe statistics shows that crime is falling. The statistics show that crime is falling.When referring to a collection of data points, 'statistics' is plural and takes a plural verb.
Usage statistics show
From German Statistik, from New Latin statisticum (“of the state”) and Italian statista (“statesman, politician”), compare English statist. Statistik introduced by Gottfried Achenwall (1749), originally designated the analysis of data about the state.
See the etymology of the corresponding lemma form.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.