average Definition
- 1a number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, in particular the mode, median, or (most commonly) the mean, which is calculated by dividing the sum of the values in the set by their number
- 2typical or ordinary
- 3calculate or assess the average value of
Using average: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "average" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The average temperature for this month is 25 degrees Celsius.
Example
On average, people spend 8 hours a day sleeping.
Example
The company's profits are above/below average for the industry.
Example
She averaged 20 points per game last season.
Example
The teacher averaged the test scores to get the class average.
average Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with average
Example
On average, it takes about 30 minutes to get to work.
above/below average
better or worse than what is typical or expected
Example
The restaurant's food is above average for the area.
Example
The ups and downs of the stock market tend to average out over time.
Origins of average
from Middle English 'averaye', from Old French 'avarie', meaning 'damage to ship or cargo', from 'avarier', meaning 'make damage to', from 'aveir', meaning 'goods'
Summary: average in Brief
The term 'average' [ˈævərɪdʒ] refers to a central or typical value in a set of data, often calculated as the mean. It can also mean typical or ordinary. Examples include 'The average temperature for this month is 25 degrees Celsius.' and 'She averaged 20 points per game last season.' Phrases like 'on average' and 'above/below average' denote typicality or comparison, while 'average out' implies balance or equality.
