statistics

statistics — noun

1. facts or pieces of information shown as numbers, collected and studied in order

1.nounB1
Definition

facts or pieces of information shown as numbers, collected and studied in order to learn about a situation or event — for example, how many people visit a national park each year, or how many road accidents happen in a city.

Example

According to official statistics, the number of visitors to the national park has doubled since 2020.

collocation: official statistics

Yasmin studied the accident statistics before writing her report on road safety.

Common collocations
  • official statistics
  • government statistics
  • employment statistics
  • crime statistics
  • accident statistics
  • according to statistics
  • statistics show / indicate / reveal
Synonyms
  • data

    broader term — includes non-numerical information

  • figures

    often refers to published numbers in reports or tables

  • numbers

    more general, less formal than 'statistics'

  • stats

    informal short form of 'statistics'

Grammar Patterns

statistics + plural verb (show/indicate/reveal)

according to statistics

statistics on/of [topic]

Usage Note

When 'statistics' refers to numerical data, it typically takes a plural verb (e.g., 'The statistics show…'). In everyday speech, the short form 'stats' is common: 'The stats show that sales are up.'

Common Mistakes

The statistics proves that the plan is working.
The statistics prove that the plan is working.
When 'statistics' means numerical data, use a plural verb.
The statistic show a clear trend.
The statistics show a clear trend.
'Statistic' (singular) refers to one data point; use the plural 'statistics' when talking about a collection of data.

2. the scientific study of collecting, organizing, understanding, and presenting nu

2.nounB2
Definition

the scientific study of collecting, organizing, understanding, and presenting numerical information, used to make decisions or find patterns in many areas such as medicine, economics, and sports.

Example

Samir decided to study statistics at university because he enjoyed working with numbers.

collocation: study statistics

The professor explained how statistics can help doctors decide which treatments work best.

how statistics can help + infinitive

Common collocations
  • study statistics
  • teach statistics
  • statistics course / class
  • statistics professor / department
  • applied statistics
  • in statistics
Synonyms

Grammar Patterns

study / learn / teach statistics

statistics + singular verb (is / deals with / involves)

in statistics

Usage Note

As the name of an academic subject, 'statistics' takes a singular verb ('Statistics is a required course for psychology majors'). This sense is always uncountable. 'Statistics' in this sense is unrelated to the plural noun 'statistics' (sense 1).

Common Mistakes

Statistics are my favorite subject.
Statistics is my favorite subject.
When referring to the academic field, use a singular verb.
I'm taking a statistics class and the statistics are very confusing.
I'm taking a statistics class and the data is very confusing.
Use 'statistics' for the subject (singular verb) but consider 'data' (or 'the statistical results') for the findings, to avoid mixing the two senses in one sentence.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

All four words relate to the NUMERICAL FACTS sense of 'statistics', but they differ in scope and register. 'Data' is the broadest term — it includes any information, whether numbers, text, or images. 'Figures' typically refers to published numerical information presented in tables, charts, or official reports (e.g., 'The sales figures for last quarter were impressive'). 'Numbers' is the most general and informal of the group; it can refer to any numerical values without the implication of systematic study. 'Stats' is an informal short form of 'statistics', common in everyday speech, journalism, and casual business contexts. For example: a researcher collects 'data' from interviews and surveys; the government publishes 'figures' on unemployment; a sports fan checks the 'stats' of their favourite player; and someone asks 'What are the numbers?' to get a quick summary. Use 'statistics' or 'data' in formal academic writing, and 'stats' in informal settings.

data ↗figuresnumbersstats

Common collocations

Nouns

  • statistics department
  • statistics professor
  • statistics textbook
  • statistics class
  • statistics course

Phrases

  • according to statistics
  • in statistics

Prepositions

  • in statistics
  • according to statistics

Etymology

LatinGermanEnglish

The word 'statistics' comes from the Latin word 'statisticus' meaning 'of state affairs', via the German 'Statistik', a term coined by the scholar Gottfried Achenwall in the 1700s. Originally, statistics referred to the collection of information about a state — its population, economy, resources, and military strength. Over time, the meaning expanded beyond government data to cover any systematic collection and analysis of numerical information.