noun
statistics
stuh-TIHS-tihks
noun
1
The branch of mathematics concerned with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
"She studied statistics at university before becoming a data analyst."
2
A collection of numerical data, especially about a population or set of measurements.
"The government released new statistics on unemployment rates."
How to Use Statistics
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishThe study of data, or a body of numerical facts.
Common mistake
Statistics can take a singular verb when referring to the academic subject ("Statistics is my favorite class") but a plural verb when referring to a set of figures ("The statistics are alarming").
Common pairings
crime statistics
official statistics
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Etymology
From German Statistik, originally coined by Gottfried Achenwall in 1749 to describe the systematic study of facts about a state.