bimodal distribution: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal/Technical
Quick answer
What does “bimodal distribution” mean?
A statistical distribution that has two distinct peaks (modes), indicating that the data clusters around two different values.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A statistical distribution that has two distinct peaks (modes), indicating that the data clusters around two different values.
Any set of data, phenomena, or outcomes characterized by two separate and distinct groupings or preferences, often suggesting two underlying populations or processes.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical or syntactic differences. Spelling of related words follows regional conventions (e.g., analyse/analyze).
Connotations
Purely technical term with identical connotations in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally frequent in academic and technical contexts in both the UK and US.
Grammar
How to Use “bimodal distribution” in a Sentence
The [data/number/results] + [shows/exhibits/forms] + a bimodal distribution.A bimodal distribution + [of + NP] + [suggests/indicates] + [two distinct groups].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bimodal distribution” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The data appear to bimodally distribute around the two values.
- The results are expected to bimodalise under those conditions.
American English
- The data bimodally distributes around the two values.
- The results are expected to bimodalize under those conditions.
adverb
British English
- The scores were distributed bimodally, centring on 40 and 80.
- The feature is bimodally expressed in the population.
American English
- The scores were distributed bimodally, centering on 40 and 80.
- The feature is bimodally expressed in the population.
adjective
British English
- We observed a bimodal pattern in the survey responses.
- The bimodal nature of the data was clear.
American English
- We observed a bimodal pattern in the survey responses.
- The bimodal nature of the data was clear.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in market analysis to describe customer preferences split into two distinct groups (e.g., high-end vs. budget buyers).
Academic
Core term in statistics, sociology (e.g., attitudes polarised into two camps), and biology (e.g., a trait with two common expressions).
Everyday
Rarely used. Might be paraphrased as 'split down the middle' or 'two separate groups'.
Technical
The precise descriptor for data with two local maxima in its probability density function.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bimodal distribution”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “bimodal distribution”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bimodal distribution”
- Pronouncing 'bimodal' as /ˈbɪmədəl/ instead of /baɪˈməʊdəl/.
- Confusing with 'bimonthly' (which is about time).
- Using it to describe simply any data with two categories (the key is two frequency peaks).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A normal (Gaussian) distribution has a single, symmetrical peak. A bimodal distribution has two distinct peaks.
Yes. Common examples include the distribution of human height (if you mix data from men and women), commute times (clustering around short and long durations), or product reviews (often polarised into very high and very low ratings).
The most direct opposite is 'unimodal', meaning having a single peak. 'Uniform distribution', where all outcomes are equally likely, is also very different.
Analysts often treat it as a sign to investigate whether the data comes from two different sources, populations, or processes. They may then separate the data into two groups for individual analysis.
A statistical distribution that has two distinct peaks (modes), indicating that the data clusters around two different values.
Bimodal distribution is usually formal/technical in register.
Bimodal distribution: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈməʊ.dəl ˌdɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbaɪˈmoʊ.dəl ˌdɪs.trɪˈbjuː.ʃən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[Not applicable for this technical term]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think 'BI-cycle' (two wheels) and 'MODe' (a frequent value). A 'bimodal distribution' has two 'modes' or two main popular points.
Conceptual Metaphor
A TWIN-PEAKED MOUNTAIN RANGE (data points cluster around two separate high points, with a valley in between).
Practice
Quiz
What does a bimodal distribution most directly imply about a dataset?