Average

Definition

Average can be a noun, adjective, or verb. As a noun, it refers to the result obtained by adding several quantities and dividing by the number of quantities. As an adjective, it describes something as typical, ordinary, or common. As a verb, it means to calculate the mean of a set of values or to reach a particular value as an average.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈæv(ə)rɪdʒ/
• Respelling: AV-er-ij

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈæv(ə)rɪdʒ/
• Respelling: AV-er-ij

Etymology

The word "average" originates from the Old French word "avarie," which referred to a duty or tax on goods. In Medieval Latin, "averagium" denoted a duty on goods to be shared among merchants. In English, it evolved in the 18th century to mean a mathematical mean.

Derivatives

• Averagely (adverb)
• Averageness (noun)
• Overaverage (adjective)
• Below-average (adjective)
• Average out (verb phrase)

Synonyms

• Mean
• Median
• Standard

Antonyms

• Exceptional
• Extreme
• Unusual

Usage

The term "average" is used widely in mathematics, statistics, and everyday language. For example, "The class average on the test was 75%," or "She has an average level of performance in sports."

Related Terms

• Mean: A synonym for the average value of a set of numbers.
• Median: The middle value in a set of numbers.
• Mode: The value that appears most frequently in a data set.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• The mean of a set of values: The result of adding a set of numbers and dividing by the count of numbers.
  • Example: "The average temperature this week was 22°C."

Adjective

• Typical, usual, or ordinary: Describes something that is standard or common.
  • Example: "Her grades are above average."

Verb

• To calculate the mean of a set of values: Refers to finding the average of a data set.
  • Example: "The company averaged a profit increase of 5% over the last year."
• To reach a particular average value: Indicates achieving a certain mean value over time.
  • Example: "He averages 20 points per game."