cardinality: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “cardinality” mean?
The number of elements in a set.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The number of elements in a set.
In mathematics and computer science, the measure of the size of a set, which can be finite, countably infinite, or uncountably infinite. In database theory, it refers to the uniqueness of data values in a column.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally low frequency in both varieties, confined to specialised fields.
Grammar
How to Use “cardinality” in a Sentence
The cardinality of [SET][SET] has a cardinality of [NUMBER]to compare cardinalitiesVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in data analytics discussions regarding database column uniqueness.
Academic
Common in mathematics, computer science, and logic papers and textbooks.
Everyday
Virtually never used.
Technical
Core term in set theory, database design, and formal logic.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “cardinality”
- Using 'cardinality' to mean 'importance' (confusion with 'cardinal' as in 'cardinal rule').
- Pronouncing it as /kɑːdɪˈnælɪti/ (five syllables) instead of the correct six syllables /ˌkɑːdɪˈnæləti/.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a specialised technical term used primarily in mathematics, computer science, and logic.
Only in a highly technical sense, e.g., 'the cardinality of the group of attendees was 50.' In normal speech, 'number' or 'count' is used.
A cardinal number (like 1, 2, 3) answers 'how many?'. Cardinality is the property measured by a cardinal number; it is the 'size' of a set.
Yes, the plural is 'cardinalities', used when discussing and comparing the sizes of multiple sets.
The number of elements in a set.
Cardinality is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Cardinality: in British English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːdɪˈnæləti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌkɑːrdɪˈnæləti/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “None”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a CARDINAL (a high-ranking bishop) counting the number of people in his church. CARDINALity is about counting items in a set.
Conceptual Metaphor
SIZE IS NUMBER (The size of a collection is conceptualised as a number).
Practice
Quiz
In which field is the term 'cardinality' MOST frequently used?