statistics
stuh-TIHS-tihks
Statistics (noun) means the branch of mathematics concerned with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. Example: “She studied statistics at university before becoming a data analyst.”
noun
1
The branch of mathematics concerned with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
"She studied statistics at university before becoming a data analyst."
"Statistics helps scientists decide whether a result happened by chance."
"He found statistics difficult at first, but the teacher explained it clearly."
2
A collection of numerical data, especially about a population or set of measurements.
"The government released new statistics on unemployment rates."
"The statistics showed that more people were cycling to work."
"Check the latest statistics before you write your report."
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
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like statistics.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She studied _____ at university before becoming a data analyst.
Etymology
From German Statistik, originally coined by Gottfried Achenwall in 1749 to describe the systematic study of facts about a state.
Class of 1749
statistics joined the language around 1749.
See the full Class of 1749 →
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for statistics
See all rhymes for statistics →Frequently asked questions
What does “statistics” mean?
The word “statistics” means the branch of mathematics concerned with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data. In plain terms, the study of data, or a body of numerical facts.
How do you pronounce “statistics”?
“Statistics” is pronounced stuh-TIHS-tihks (/stəˈtɪs.tɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “statistics” in a sentence?
Here is “statistics” used in a sentence: “She studied statistics at university before becoming a data analyst.”
What part of speech is “statistics”?
“Statistics” is a noun.
Where does the word “statistics” come from?
The word “statistics” dates back to around 1749 and comes from German. From German Statistik, originally coined by Gottfried Achenwall in 1749 to describe the systematic study of facts about a state.
Is “statistics” a common word?
“Statistics” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “statistics” have?
“Statistics” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the branch of mathematics concerned with collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data.
What is the difference between statistics and data?
Data is the raw material — the individual facts, figures or measurements collected. Statistics is the discipline of gathering, analysing and interpreting that data to draw meaningful conclusions. The word can also mean the summary numbers produced, such as an average or percentage, which condense a mass of data into a usable figure.
What are the two main types of statistics?
Statistics is often split into descriptive and inferential. Descriptive statistics summarise and present data — averages, percentages, charts — to show what a dataset looks like. Inferential statistics use a sample to draw wider conclusions about a whole population, estimating probabilities and testing whether observed patterns are likely to be real.
Why are statistics important?
Statistics turn large amounts of raw data into clear evidence people can act on. Governments, scientists, businesses and doctors rely on statistical methods to spot trends, test ideas, measure risk and make decisions grounded in fact rather than guesswork. Done well, statistics help separate genuine patterns from random chance.
Can statistics be learned?
Yes. Statistics is taught as a branch of mathematics in schools and universities and is a core skill in fields from medicine to economics. It combines a set of methods anyone can study with practice in judgement — knowing which method suits a question and how to read the results honestly.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include statistics:
