Average: meaning, definitions and examples

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average

 

[ ˈævərɪdʒ ]

Noun / Adjective
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

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 | Adjective

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

Etymology

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.

Word Frequency Rank

With position #402, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.