Definition

1. Noun:
   • A single numerical fact or piece of data: A statistic is an individual item of information, often a number, that is collected and used to analyze or understand a situation.
   • A value calculated from a sample of data: In mathematics and research, a statistic is a numerical measurement (like an average) that summarizes or describes a characteristic of a set of data.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The most important statistic from the survey is that 80% of users are satisfied. (This single number is a key piece of data.)
  • The unemployment rate is a key economic statistic. (It is a specific numerical measure.)
  • He quoted a surprising statistic about daily water usage. (He cited one particular numerical fact.)

Advanced Usage

• "A sobering statistic": A numerical fact that causes one to think seriously, often about a negative situation.
  • The number of people living in poverty is a sobering statistic.
• "Vital statistic": Originally refers to official records of births, deaths, and marriages. Informally, it can refer to key personal measurements.
  • The government collects vital statistics. (Official demographic data.)

Variants and Related Words

• Statistical (adj): Relating to the use of statistics.
  • The report provided a statistical analysis of the results.
• Statistician (n): A person who specializes in statistics.
  • The statistician verified the data.

Synonyms

• Figure: A number, especially one that forms part of official statistics.
• Datum: A single piece of information (formal, often used in technical contexts).

Related Phrases

• "Lies, damned lies, and statistics": A phrase criticizing the persuasive power of numbers to mislead.
  • He dismissed the report, calling it a case of "lies, damned lies, and statistics".

Noun

1. a datum that can be represented numerically