average out

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Explanation of "Average Out"

Definition: The phrase "average out" is a verb that means to calculate the average of a set of numbers or to reach a situation where the total results in an average value. It can also imply balancing out differences so that the overall effect is neutral, without gaining or losing anything.

Usage Instructions:

• When to use: You can use "average out" when you want to discuss how different values can come together to form a common average. It is often used in contexts like work hours, grades, costs, and statistics.
• How to use: You can use "average out" in both formal and informal situations when discussing numerical values or situations that can be calculated.

Example:

• Basic Example: "The number of hours I work per week averages out to 40."
  • This means that if you look at the hours worked over several weeks, the average will be 40 hours.

Advanced Usage:

• In more advanced contexts, "average out" can refer to situations in finance or statistics where a number of different returns or values are combined to find a mean value.
  • For example: "The investment returns averaged out over the last five years show a steady growth."

Word Variants:

• Noun Form: "Average" (e.g., "The average of the scores was 75.")
• Adjective Form: "Average" (e.g., "He is an average student.")
• Adverb Form: "Averagely" (e.g., "She performed averagely in the competition.")

Different Meaning:

While "average out" generally refers to finding a mean, it can also mean to balance out different situations. For instance: - "The highs and lows of the seasons average out over the year." - Here, it means that the extreme temperatures balance each other out over time.

Synonyms:

• Equal out
• Balance
• Level off
• Compute the average of

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Idiom: "Find common ground" - This can relate to averaging opinions or ideas, similar to "average out" in discussions.
• Phrasal Verb: "Even out" - This means to make something more even or balanced, similar to averaging out.

Summary:

In summary, "average out" is a useful term for discussing how different values or situations can come together to find a common average.

Academic

Verb

1. amount to or come to an average, without loss or gain
   • The number of hours I work per work averages out to 40
2. compute the average of

Synonyms

• average