Regression: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ“‰
Add to dictionary

regression

 

[ rษชหˆษกrษ›สƒษ™n ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

statistic analysis

Regression is a statistical method used in finance, investing, and other disciplines to make predictions based on the relationship between two or more variables. It aims to find the best-fitting line that describes the relationship between the variables, allowing for the prediction of future values.

Synonyms

forecasting, predictive modeling.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
regression

Used in statistical analysis to understand the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. Commonly employed in research and data analysis.

  • The regression analysis showed a strong correlation between hours studied and exam scores.
  • We used regression to identify the factors that most significantly impact sales.
predictive modeling

Involves creating models that predict future outcomes by using historical data and machine learning techniques. Used in various fields like finance, healthcare, and marketing.

  • Predictive modeling helps healthcare providers anticipate patient needs.
  • By using predictive modeling, the company can better target their marketing efforts.
forecasting

Applied to make informed predictions about future events or trends based on historical data. Widely used in business, finance, and weather predictions.

  • The company is forecasting higher revenues for the next quarter.
  • Weather forecasting has become more accurate with advancements in technology.

Examples of usage

  • Linear regression is commonly used to predict stock prices based on historical data.
  • Multiple regression can be used to analyze the impact of several factors on a particular outcome.
Context #2 | Noun

psychology

Regression is a defense mechanism where an individual reverts to an earlier stage of development in the face of stress or conflict. It involves retreating to a more infantile or immature behavior pattern.

Synonyms

fallback, retreat.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
regression

Typically used in psychology, statistics, or general performance contexts to describe a return to a previous, less advanced state.

  • The patient exhibited signs of regression after the treatment stopped
  • The company's profit regression over the last quarter was concerning
retreat

Used in both military and general scenarios to describe a withdrawal or moving back from a position, often implying a strategic and sometimes necessary action.

  • The army had to retreat due to heavy losses
  • After the argument, she needed to retreat to her room to calm down
fallback

Common in planning and strategy contexts, often implying a backup plan or secondary option.

  • If the main plan doesn't work, we always have a fallback
  • The fallback option for the project is to use the older software

Examples of usage

  • When under pressure, some adults may exhibit regression by throwing tantrums like a child.
  • Regression can be a coping mechanism for individuals experiencing trauma.

Translations

Translations of the word "regression" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น regressรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคชเฅเคฐเคคเคฟเค—เคฎเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Regression

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ regresi

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะตะณั€ะตัั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ regresja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅ›žๅธฐ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท rรฉgression

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ regresiรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท regresyon

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํšŒ๊ท€

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงู†ุญุฏุงุฑ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ regrese

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ regresia

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ›žๅฝ’

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ regresija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ afturfรถr

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ั€ะตะณั€ะตััะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ แƒ”แƒ’แƒ แƒ”แƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ reqressiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ regresiรณn

Etymology

The term 'regression' originated in the field of statistics in the 19th century, when Sir Francis Galton first used it to describe a phenomenon in which the heights of descendants of tall ancestors tend to regress towards the average height of the population. Over time, the concept of regression expanded to other fields such as psychology, economics, and biology, where it is used to describe various types of relationships and behaviors.

See also: regressing, regressive, retrogression.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,086 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.