statistics

word

/stəˈtɪstɪks/
stuh-TIS-tiks
/stɐtˈɪstɪks/
stuh-TIS-tiks

Definition

Statistics is the study of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting numbers and data. It also refers to the numerical information resulting from this process.

Usage & Nuances

'Statistics' is always plural even for one field of study ('Statistics is…'). Used both for the subject (as in 'I’m studying statistics') and for numerical results or data (as in 'The statistics show…'). Common collocations: 'statistics on', 'according to statistics', 'official statistics'.

Example Sentences

I am studying statistics at university.

basic

The statistics show that more people prefer tea than coffee.

basic

He collects statistics about the weather every day.

basic

Do you trust government statistics?

natural

According to recent statistics, unemployment has decreased this year.

natural

I keep messing up the math in my statistics homework!

natural