Statistics Meaning

UK /stəˈtɪstɪks/
US /stəˈtɪstɪks/
Word Definition
statistics meaning

Statistics Definition & Usage

noun

The collection, analysis, interpretation, and presentation of numerical data.

Examples

  • "The professor is known for his expertise in statistics and data analysis."
  • "Statistics play a crucial role in public health research, helping identify trends in disease outbreaks."
  • "Before making business decisions, it's important to review the statistics on consumer behavior."
  • "He used statistics to prove that the new marketing strategy was more effective than the old one."
  • "Statistics on global warming have become an essential part of environmental policy discussions."
noun

A collection of numerical facts or data, especially when presented systematically.

Examples

  • "The newspaper article was filled with statistics about the country's unemployment rate."
  • "The statistics show that more people are working from home than ever before."
  • "You can find a lot of statistics about the economy on government websites."
  • "The marketing team used statistics to demonstrate the success of the campaign."
  • "They published some alarming statistics about the rising crime rate in the city."
plural noun

A body of data that, when viewed collectively, can represent certain patterns or insights.

Examples

  • "The statistics of the match were impressive; he scored five goals in the first half."
  • "In the book, the author looks at the statistics of various political movements over the last century."
  • "Despite the statistics, the coach believes the team can improve their performance."
  • "You can make any argument using statistics, but they only tell part of the story."
  • "The statistics on student performance revealed a significant drop after the new policies were implemented."

Cultural Context

The term 'statistics' comes from the Latin word 'status,' meaning state, referring originally to the numerical data about a state's affairs. Over time, it evolved to encompass a broader field related to data analysis and interpretation in many disciplines, including economics, healthcare, and social sciences.

The Power of Statistics

Story

The Power of Statistics

In a bustling city, Sarah, a young data scientist, was at the heart of a major research project to help a non-profit understand the patterns behind childhood malnutrition. Armed with her knowledge of statistics, Sarah sifted through thousands of data points—graphs, tables, and numbers—looking for meaningful insights. She knew that the true power of statistics lay not just in the raw numbers but in the story they could tell. One afternoon, Sarah was having a meeting with the organization’s founder, Mr. Khan. ‘These statistics are truly alarming,’ Mr. Khan said, gesturing to the bar graph on her screen, ‘but how can we use them to make a real change?’ Sarah smiled, adjusting her glasses. ‘The key is interpreting these statistics. Look at the correlation between income levels and nutrition. By targeting areas where the need is greatest, we can make a more focused impact.’ As they continued discussing, Sarah shared how statistical methods could project future trends based on current data. She explained how a deep dive into the statistics could reveal hidden patterns, which could help secure funding and support for their cause. ‘These aren’t just numbers, Mr. Khan,’ she said. ‘They are stories of real people that we can change by using the right data.’ Later that day, Sarah presented her findings to a group of donors. She used clear visuals—pie charts, histograms, and scatter plots—to simplify the complex data and make it accessible. ‘These statistics,’ she explained, ‘show us where we need to act urgently to prevent a crisis. By using these numbers effectively, we can save lives.’ The donors, impressed by the clarity and depth of the statistics, pledged to support the non-profit's work. Sarah knew the power of statistics was in its ability to bring about change, and with these numbers, she had not only told a compelling story but also inspired action. Through her work, Sarah demonstrated that statistics were not just figures on a page—they were tools for transformation, offering insights that could change the course of lives and communities. The story ended on a hopeful note, showing how data analysis and interpretation could help address real-world problems, emphasizing the role of statistics in creating meaningful solutions.

The Power of Statistics