arithmetic mean: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowFormal/Academic/Technical
Quick answer
What does “arithmetic mean” mean?
The sum of a set of numbers divided by the count of numbers in the set.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The sum of a set of numbers divided by the count of numbers in the set; the average.
In mathematics and statistics, a measure of central tendency calculated by adding all values in a dataset and dividing by the number of values. In broader contexts, it can refer to a typical or representative value.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No lexical or definitional differences. Spelling of 'arithmetic' is the same, though pronunciation differs (stress pattern).
Connotations
Slightly more common in formal British academic writing. In American education, 'average' is often taught first, with 'mean' introduced later.
Frequency
Very low in everyday conversation in both varieties. Slightly higher in academic/technical contexts in the UK.
Grammar
How to Use “arithmetic mean” in a Sentence
the arithmetic mean of [number set]to calculate/find the arithmetic mean[Subject] has an arithmetic mean of [value]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “arithmetic mean” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- [No standard verb form]
American English
- [No standard verb form]
adverb
British English
- [No standard adverbial form]
American English
- [No standard adverbial form]
adjective
British English
- The arithmetic-mean value was higher than expected.
American English
- We need the arithmetic-mean result for the report.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in reports for average sales, costs, or performance metrics, often specifying 'mean' to avoid ambiguity.
Academic
Core term in mathematics, statistics, economics, and sciences for data analysis.
Everyday
Rare. Usually replaced by 'average' (e.g., 'the average temperature').
Technical
Precise term in statistics, data science, engineering, and research methodologies.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “arithmetic mean”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “arithmetic mean”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “arithmetic mean”
- Using 'arithmetic mean' in casual conversation instead of 'average'.
- Confusing arithmetic mean with median or mode.
- Incorrect: 'The arithmetic mean between 5 and 10 is 7' (correct: 'of 5 and 10').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In common usage, 'average' often means the arithmetic mean. However, in statistics, 'average' can refer to the mean, median, or mode, so 'arithmetic mean' is more precise.
Use 'arithmetic mean' when you need to distinguish it from other types of means (like geometric or harmonic mean). In most basic contexts, 'mean' is sufficient.
The arithmetic mean is highly sensitive to extreme values (outliers). A single very high or low number can significantly pull the mean up or down.
The arithmetic mean is the sum divided by count. The median is the middle value when all numbers are sorted. The median is less affected by outliers.
The sum of a set of numbers divided by the count of numbers in the set.
Arithmetic mean is usually formal/academic/technical in register.
Arithmetic mean: in British English it is pronounced /ˌærɪθˈmɛtɪk miːn/, and in American English it is pronounced /əˌrɪθməˈtɪk min/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[No common idioms for this specific term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A Raft In The Middle' – A Rithmetic Mean Is The Middle (average) of numbers.
Conceptual Metaphor
BALANCE POINT or FAIR SHARE (imagining the total sum distributed equally).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is NOT a synonym for 'arithmetic mean' in a strict mathematical sense?