Average: meaning, definitions and examples

⌛

Add to dictionary

average

[ ˈævərɪdʒ ]

^{Context #1}

mathematics

A number expressing the central or typical value in a set of data, calculated by dividing the sum of all values by the total number of values.

Synonyms

mean, median, norm

Examples of usage

The average of 5, 10, and 15 is (5+10+15)/3 = 10.
She calculated the average of the test scores to determine the class average.
The average salary for the position is $50,000 per year.

^{Context #2}

general

Typical or normal.

Synonyms

mediocre, normal, typical

Examples of usage

His performance was average, neither exceptional nor poor.
The hotel room was average in size and amenities.

Translations

Translations of the word "average" in other languages:

🇵🇹 média

🇮🇳 औसत

🇩🇪 Durchschnitt

🇮🇩 rata-rata

🇺🇦 середній

🇵🇱 średnia

🇯🇵 平均

🇫🇷 moyenne

🇪🇸 promedio

🇹🇷 ortalama

🇰🇷 평균

🇸🇦 متوسط

🇨🇿 průměr

🇸🇰 priemer

🇨🇳 平均

🇸🇮 povprečje

🇮🇸 meðaltal

🇰🇿 орташа

🇬🇪 საშუალო

🇦🇿 orta

🇲🇽 promedio

Word origin

The word 'average' originated from the Middle English word 'averaye', which came from the Old French 'avarie', meaning damage or loss. The term was originally used in the context of maritime law to refer to the distribution of loss among merchants. Over time, its meaning evolved to include the concept of a central value in a set of data. The modern usage of 'average' in mathematics and everyday language reflects this evolution.