statistic
statistic — noun
1. numerical facts gathered by studying a large number of people, events, or things
numerical facts gathered by studying a large number of people, events, or things — used to reveal patterns, trends, or conditions about a subject, such as the percentage of people who own homes in a given country.
The latest employment statistics show a drop of two percent since last year.
statistics show + [result]
According to government statistics, more than seventy percent of households now own a pet.
according to statistics
Rohan examined the crime statistics for his city before choosing a neighbourhood to live in.
These statistics come from a survey of five thousand patients across ten hospitals in Japan.
文法句型
statistics + verb (plural)
statistics on + [topic]
according to statistics
用法筆記
Typically used in the plural form 'statistics' when referring to a collection of numerical data. Unlike sense 3, which refers to a single figure, this sense describes a whole set of numbers. The verb that follows is plural: 'The statistics indicate…'
常見錯誤
2. the branch of mathematics that deals with collecting, organising, and interpreti
the branch of mathematics that deals with collecting, organising, and interpreting numerical information in order to make informed judgements or predictions.
Élise is taking a course in statistics to support her environmental research project.
course in statistics
Zuri's statistics professor taught the class how to identify misleading graphs in news articles.
A basic understanding of statistics helps people evaluate claims made with numbers.
Statistics remains one of the most practical subjects for anyone working with data.
- data science
a newer, broader field that includes computing and machine learning alongside statistics
- mathematical analysis
much broader; covers all of mathematics, not just data-oriented methods
文法句型
statistics + verb (singular)
a course in statistics
study statistics
用法筆記
When referring to the academic field, 'statistics' takes a singular verb: 'Statistics is a core subject in many degree programmes.' This contrasts with sense 1, where 'statistics' as 'collected data' takes a plural verb.
常見錯誤
3. a single piece of numerical information that tells you something about a situati
a single piece of numerical information that tells you something about a situation or group — for example, the exact number of tourists who visited a country last year.
Felipe pointed to a shocking statistic — one in three children in the region do not have enough food.
a [adjective] statistic — [explanation]
Hui shared a statistic about teen reading habits: students average six hours a week on books.
a statistic about + [topic]
This single statistic about hospital waiting times does not tell the whole story.
Mayumi read an alarming statistic — air pollution levels in the capital have tripled since 2015.
- data point
more technical; used in research and scientific contexts
- number
simpler and more general; 'statistic' implies the number is informative or noteworthy
- figure
common in journalism and reports; slightly more formal than 'number'
文法句型
a + statistic
this + statistic
statistic about + [topic]
用法筆記
This is the countable form — it can be used with 'a' or 'an' and has a regular plural ('statistics'). Frequently paired with evaluative adjectives such as 'shocking,' 'alarming,' 'interesting,' or 'key.' Distinguish from sense 1, where 'statistics' is a mass noun referring to an entire set of data, not a single number.