numerically

numerically — adverb

1. using numbers to express or measure something, rather than relying on words, opi

1.adverbB2
Definition

using numbers to express or measure something, rather than relying on words, opinions, or feelings

Example

Numerically speaking, Ritu's group gathered three times the survey data of the other teams.

numerically speaking - fixed expression for quantitative framing

The two schools were numerically equal in size but served very different communities.

be numerically equal - common comparative pattern

Common collocations
  • numerically equal
  • numerically superior
  • numerically inferior
  • numerically significant
  • measure something numerically
  • expressed numerically
Synonyms
  • quantitatively

    broader than 'numerically'; refers to measurable amounts of any kind, not only numbers

  • statistically

    narrower than 'numerically'; specifically relates to data analysis and probability

  • mathematically

    focuses on calculations and abstract formulas rather than simple number-based measurement

Antonyms
  • qualitatively

    refers to analysis based on qualities, characteristics, or descriptions rather than numbers

  • verbally

    refers to expression through spoken or written words rather than numbers

Grammar Patterns

numerically + adjective (equal, superior, inferior)

verb + numerically (expressed, measured, ranked)

numerically speaking

Usage Note

Common in academic, scientific, and statistical writing. Frequently appears in the fixed phrase 'numerically speaking', which frames a statement as a quantitative observation rather than a qualitative one.

Common Mistakes

The crowd was numerically large.
The crowd was numerically large.' (acceptable
though 'numerically' is more natural with comparative adjectives like 'superior' or 'larger'.) — When used with a positive adjective, ensure it makes sense as a quantitative statement.
The data was stored numerically on the computer.
The data was stored digitally on the computer.
'numerically' refers to measurement in numbers, not digital/electronic format.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/1

All three words describe ways of measuring or analysing, but they differ in scope and method. 'Numerically' is the most general — it simply means using numbers, whether for a count, a ranking, or a comparison (e.g., 'the team was numerically stronger'). 'Quantitatively' is broader still; it covers any kind of measurable amount, including weight, volume, or time, not just numbers as symbols ('the study measured stress quantitatively'). 'Statistically' is narrower, tied specifically to data analysis — sampling, probability, and significance tests ('the results were statistically significant at p < 0.05'). 'Mathematically' shifts to abstract formulas and operations ('the problem was solved mathematically'), which may use numbers but emphasises calculation over mere counting. Use 'numerically' for straightforward number-based statements, 'quantitatively' when other units of measurement are involved, 'statistically' for data-driven claims, and 'mathematically' for formal computation.

quantitativelystatistically ↗mathematically

Common collocations

Nouns

Phrases

  • numerically speaking

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Derived from the adjective 'numerical', which came from Latin 'numerus' (number) via French 'numérique'. The '-ly' suffix turns the adjective into an adverb, creating a word that means 'in a numerical manner'.