What does statistics mean?
Statistics are numerical facts or data that describe a population, situation, or phenomenon, and the word can also name the mathematical discipline that studies how such data are collected and interpreted. In everyday use, statistics often means figures or quantitative information, as in reports of population size, economic performance, or survey findings. Their practical value depends on accurate collection, suitable methods, and careful interpretation: numbers can reveal patterns, but they may also mislead if the underlying sample is unrepresentative or the analysis is inappropriate. The word is especially common in journalism, research, government, business, and public policy, where evidence is often expressed through measurements and comparisons. Despite its technical associations, statistics need not be complicated; even simple counts and percentages can be informative when their meaning and limitations are clearly understood.
Numerical facts or data that describe a population, situation, or phenomenon and are used to interpret conditions or draw conclusions.
"The latest statistics suggest that consumer spending has begun to recover."
The plural form is standard even when the word refers to a single body of information.
The branch of mathematics and science concerned with collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and presenting quantitative data.
"Statistics provides methods for drawing conclusions from data."
In this sense, the word names a discipline and is commonly used with terms such as “the study of,” “inferential,” and “descriptive.”
The plural form is standard and is used for both a body of numerical data and the academic discipline.
"The statistics reveal a strong correlation between the two variables."
Statistics turn raw numbers into evidence, but every conclusion also depends on how those numbers were gathered and interpreted.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does statistics come from?
The word comes ultimately from Greek statistikos, meaning “pertaining to collecting or measuring,” related to statos, “a standing or position.” It passed through Latin and Italian before entering English in the late 16th century, initially referring to political statistics and the systematic comparison of states. Over time, the meaning broadened to include numerical data in general, and the modern scientific discipline developed during the 18th and 19th centuries.
Related word forms
How statistics is actually used
In general usage, statistics often means numerical data or figures. The plural form is standard even when referring to a single discipline or body of information. In academic contexts, statistics may denote the field as well as the data being analyzed.
Easily confused with statistics
A statistic is an individual numerical fact or measurement, whereas statistics are a collection or body of numerical data.