Definition

Noun: A numerical quantity is a specific amount or measurement that is expressed using a number or numbers. It represents a countable or measurable value, as opposed to a qualitative description.

Usage

The term "numerical quantity" is used to emphasize that a value is expressed in numerical form. It is common in scientific, mathematical, and technical contexts to distinguish quantified data from descriptive information. - The experiment's results must be recorded as a numerical quantity, not just an observation. - Please provide the numerical quantity for the volume, not an estimate.

Examples

Advanced Usage

• In Data Analysis: A "numerical quantity" often refers to quantitative data (discrete or continuous) that can be used in statistical calculations.
  • The dataset contains both categorical labels and numerical quantities for analysis.
• Contrast with Qualitative Description: Used to explicitly contrast a number with a non-numerical description.
  • The report shifted from a qualitative assessment to reporting key numerical quantities like growth percentage.

Variants and Related Words

• Quantity (n): A more general term for an amount or number of something, which may or may not be specified numerically.
• Number (n): A mathematical object used for counting, measuring, and labeling. It is the primary component of a numerical quantity.
• Value (n): A numerical amount or magnitude.
• Numerical Value (n): A synonym often used interchangeably with "numerical quantity."

Synonyms

• Numeric value
• Number
• Figure (when referring to a specific numerical amount)
• Magnitude (when emphasizing size or extent expressed as a number)

Antonyms / Contrasting Terms

• Qualitative description: A description based on qualities or characteristics rather than numbers.
• Categorical data: Data that represents categories or labels (e.g., colors, types) rather than numerical values.

Related Phrases

• Expressed as a number: This phrase is the core idea of a numerical quantity.
  • The distance was expressed as a number: 5 kilometers.
• Quantifiable amount: An amount that can be measured and expressed numerically.
  • We need a quantifiable amount to proceed with the calculation.

Noun

1. a quantity expressed as a number