Word
statistics
Phoneticssta·tis·tics, stress on the second syllable
US/stəˈtɪstɪks/
UK/stɐtˈɪstɪks/
Definitions
01the field of study
B1 · Intermediate Uncountable noun Mathematics Academic
n. the science of collecting, organizing, and looking at numbers to find patterns or facts.
n. the branch of applied mathematics concerned with the collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data.
“She decided to study statistics at university to help her career in business.”
“Statistics provides the essential framework for validating experimental results in the social sciences, ensuring that observed patterns are not merely the result of chance.”
Usage
Treated as a singular noun when referring to the academic subject.
Pitfall
Statistics 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.
Synonyms
02numerical data
B1 · Intermediate Plural noun
n. a collection of numbers or facts that show information about something.
n. a systematic collection of quantitative data or measurements relating to a particular group or phenomenon.
“The latest statistics show that more people are working from home than ever before.”
“Government statistics regarding unemployment were released this morning, revealing a slight but significant decrease in the number of long-term claimants.”
Usage
Treated as a plural noun when referring to the data points themselves.
Pitfall
The 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.
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “statistics” in context.
Real-World Examples
“Most Americans say they have little or no understanding of statistics, including basic ideas like p-values, the kind of number that shows up constantly in news stories about new drugs, diets, and studies.” “Using statistics, data and numbers can create a sense of certainty for the audience but they are often imperfect representations and may contain inaccuracies and measurement error, so their uncertainties should be factored in.” “Statistics can show us things about the world we can't perceive in any other way.” Etymology
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.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
Related words
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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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