AVERAGE

Definition of AVERAGE

AVERAGE Noun, Adjective and Verb

Average is a noun, an adjective, and a verb, with each form carrying distinct but related meanings. As a noun, it refers to a value that represents the central or typical amount in a set of numbers, often calculated as the sum divided by the number of elements. As an adjective, it describes something as typical, ordinary, or not exceptional. As a verb, it means to calculate the average of a set or to reach a standard level over time.

AVERAGE as a noun

Central Value in Data: As a noun, average refers to a mathematical or statistical value that summarizes or represents a data set. The most common form is the arithmetic average, or mean, which is the result of adding all values together and dividing by the number of values. Other forms include the median (middle value) and mode (most frequent value), but in general use, average typically refers to the mean.

Representation of Typicality: In everyday contexts, average as a noun is used to describe what is normal or expected within a group or category. For example, the average temperature of a region or the average score on a test helps to understand what is typical or standard, aiding in comparison and evaluation.

AVERAGE as an adjective

Typical or Ordinary: As an adjective, average describes something that is typical, ordinary, or standard in quality, quantity, or degree. It implies that something is neither exceptionally high nor low, but falls within a normal range. For instance, an average student performs at a standard level, and an average day has no remarkable events.

Moderate or Unremarkable: In many contexts, average as an adjective suggests mediocrity or lack of distinction. Saying someone is of average height or that a performance was average often conveys that it was adequate but unexceptional, meeting the norm but not standing out.

AVERAGE as a verb

To Calculate a Mean or Standard Level: As a verb, average means to compute the average of a set of numbers or quantities. For example, one might average the test scores of a class to understand overall performance. Additionally, average can describe the process of achieving a standard level over time, such as averaging ten miles per hour during a trip.

Reaching an Equilibrium Over Time: The verb average also implies balance or leveling out. For instance, a person’s income may average out over several months, suggesting fluctuations that result in a consistent norm over time. It can also mean to bring values to a middle ground.

Statistical and Analytical Contexts: In fields such as economics, science, and data analysis, average is a fundamental concept for interpreting information. It helps in identifying trends, making predictions, and comparing groups. Averages are used in financial markets, health statistics, educational assessments, and numerous other domains where data is analyzed.

Cultural and Social Use: In social and cultural discussions, average often relates to societal norms or standards. People may be classified as average in intelligence, income, or lifestyle, sometimes as a neutral description, and other times with implications about conformity or lack of distinction. Discussions of the “average person” or “average household” often shape policy, marketing, and public discourse.

In summary, average functions as a noun, adjective, and verb, revolving around the concept of centrality, typicality, and calculation. As a noun, it denotes a central value in data; as an adjective, it describes something as typical or ordinary; and as a verb, it involves computing or achieving a standard level. Whether used in mathematical contexts, everyday descriptions, or analytical assessments, average provides a framework for understanding what is common, expected, or representative in a wide array of situations.

Examples of AVERAGE in a sentence

AVERAGE as a noun in a sentence

• The average score on the test was 75%, with most students performing well.
• The average temperature this month has been higher than usual for this time of year.
• His monthly expenses were above the average for someone in his income bracket.
• The average length of the meetings was around two hours.
• The team’s performance was just below average, so they need to improve.
• She calculated the average of the five test results to get a better idea of her overall performance.
• On average, it takes about 30 minutes to drive to work during rush hour.
• The average income in the region has steadily increased over the last decade.

AVERAGE as an adjective in a sentence

• His average score on the exams was a 78%, which was acceptable but not exceptional.
• The average price for a meal at the restaurant is around $20.
• She gave an average performance in the competition, scoring in the middle range.
• The average person spends about two hours a day on social media.
• The weather in the region is average for this time of year, not too hot or cold.
• His average height made him blend in with most of the people around him.
• The average distance between the two cities is about 200 miles.
• Their average age is 35, making them a fairly young team in the industry.

AVERAGE as a verb in a sentence

• She decided to average her scores across all three tests to get a better overall assessment.
• To find the final grade, we will average the student’s homework, exams, and participation.
• The team will average their performance over the last five games to determine their improvement.
• He had to average the results of the experiments to account for any anomalies.
• The company plans to average the sales from the last quarter to predict future trends.
• To get a fair estimate, we should average the salaries of all employees in the department.
• They will average the time it takes to complete the task in order to plan for future projects.
• We will need to average the distances between each of the checkpoints to find the total distance covered.

Origin of AVERAGE

The term average has an etymological history that reflects its development from its mathematical roots to its current broad use in everyday language.

Semantic Context: Average is a noun and an adjective that refers to a typical or central value in a set of data, often calculated as the mean. It can also describe a typical or normal condition or outcome, often used to express something that is not extraordinary but represents the middle or typical range.

• Etymological Roots: The word average is derived from the Old French word “avarie,” which referred to damage or loss incurred by a shipowner, especially in relation to goods or cargo. This term, in turn, comes from the Arabic word “‘awār” (عوار), meaning “damaged” or “defective.” In the context of maritime trade, avarie referred to the division of loss or damage among all those involved in the shipment, with each party contributing a share based on their stake. By the late 16th century, the term evolved to describe a method of distributing costs or losses among a group. Over time, it began to be used more broadly to refer to the process of calculating an amount that represented a balanced or typical result, leading to its modern mathematical meaning.
• Historical Development: The concept of average in the sense of a statistical measure appeared in the 17th century, particularly in relation to shipping and trade. Initially, it was used to divide the cost of damage or loss equally among stakeholders. The idea of calculating an “average” extended to broader applications in mathematics and statistics, eventually becoming a standard way of expressing central tendencies in data. The use of average in mathematics grew over time, especially with the development of formal statistical methods in the 18th and 19th centuries. The mean, median, and mode — all measures of central tendency — were formalized, with average commonly referring to the arithmetic mean, or the sum of a set of values divided by the number of values. By the 19th century, average had become a standard term used in various fields, including economics, psychology, and demographics.
• Current Usage: In modern usage, average is a key term in statistics, economics, and general conversation. In mathematics, it continues to refer to the mean, median, or mode as a central measure of a set of data. In everyday speech, it is used to denote something typical or normal, often in a way that implies mediocrity or ordinariness, such as “an average person” or “an average score.”

The term average has evolved from its origins in maritime trade and the division of costs to become a fundamental concept in mathematics, statistics, and everyday language. It remains an essential term for describing typical values, central tendencies, and normative conditions across a wide range of disciplines.