Definition

Adverb: 1. In a way that relates to, uses, or is determined by statistics: Refers to an action, statement, or conclusion that is based on the collection, analysis, and interpretation of numerical data. 2. According to or as shown by statistical analysis: Indicates that a finding or probability is derived from mathematical evaluation of data.

Usage

The adverb "statistically" is used to modify verbs, adjectives, or entire statements to indicate that the information is grounded in statistical methods. It often precedes adjectives like "significant," "insignificant," "likely," or "impossible."

Examples

• Modifying an adjective:
  • The difference between the two groups was statistically significant.
  • The results are not statistically relevant to our hypothesis.
• Modifying a verb or statement:
  • We can statistically prove that the new drug is effective.
  • Statistically, women in this study lived longer than men.
  • This outcome is statistically impossible.

Advanced Usage

• "Statistically speaking": A common introductory phrase used to clarify that the following statement is a generalization based on data trends, not an absolute rule for every individual case.
  • Statistically speaking, you are more likely to be injured in a car accident than in a plane crash.

Variants and Related Words

• Statistic (n): A single numerical piece of data or a fact represented by a number.
  • An important statistic is the unemployment rate.
• Statistics (n): The field of study concerned with collecting and analyzing numerical data; also refers to a collection of such data.
  • She studied statistics at university. The government published the crime statistics.
• Statistical (adj): Relating to or employing statistics.
  • They performed a detailed statistical analysis.

Synonyms

• Mathematically: In terms of mathematics or numerical calculation.
• Numerically: In terms of numbers or numerical data.
• Quantitatively: In terms of measurable quantity.

Antonyms

• Anecdotally: Based on personal accounts or stories rather than systematic data.
• Qualitatively: In terms of quality, character, or experience rather than quantity.

Adverb

1. with respect to statistics
   • this is statistically impossible