dato
C1Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A given, established, or accepted piece of information or fact; something known or assumed as a basis for reasoning.
A single piece of information, especially a measurement or statistic, used in analysis; also refers to the plural form 'data' (facts and statistics).
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
In formal and technical contexts, 'data' is often treated as a plural mass noun (e.g., 'the data are'). However, 'data' as a singular mass noun (e.g., 'the data is') is common in general usage. 'Dato' is specifically the singular form, though rarely used outside technical discussions about grammar.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In UK English, the plural treatment 'data are' is more common in formal/academic writing. In US English, the singular 'data is' is more prevalent even in formal contexts, though style guides vary. 'Dato' is almost never used in natural speech in either variant.
Connotations
The term 'data' is neutral-to-technical. The word 'dato' carries a highly technical, almost pedantic connotation when used deliberately.
Frequency
'Data' is extremely high frequency. The singular 'dato' is exceptionally rare, largely confined to linguistics or computing discussions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[verb] + dato: collect/analyse/ignore a dato[adjective] + dato: a single/raw/meaningless datoVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this technical term.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
A single key performance indicator (KPI) or metric, e.g., 'Every single sales dato is tracked.'
Academic
A singular observation or measurement within a dataset, often discussed in methodology sections.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Speakers use 'piece of data' or just 'data'.
Technical
Used in computing, statistics, or linguistics to explicitly refer to one element of a dataset.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This number is one dato from our survey.
- The report was based on every single dato we collected.
- An isolated dato, taken out of context, can be very misleading.
- The researcher emphasised that a single anomalous dato should not invalidate the overall trend observed in the dataset.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'A dato is to data what a potato is to potatoes.'
Conceptual Metaphor
INFORMATION IS A BUILDING BLOCK (A dato is a single brick; data is the wall.)
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'dato' as 'дата' (which means 'date').
- The Russian 'данные' corresponds to the plural 'data', not the singular 'dato'.
- The concept of a singular 'dato' is often expressed in Russian as 'отдельный факт' or 'единица данных'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'dato' in everyday conversation.
- Misspelling as 'date-o'.
- Assuming 'data' is always singular and thus its base form is 'dato'.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'dato' most appropriately used?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but it is a technical back-formation from the plural 'data'. It is rarely used outside specific academic or technical discussions about the nature of information.
In most contexts where the singular is necessary, 'datum' (from Latin) is the traditional form, though it is also quite formal. 'Dato' is a modern English formation. In practice, most speakers rephrase to avoid the singular altogether (e.g., 'a piece of data').
In formal and scientific writing, especially in British English, it is often treated as plural ('the data are'). In general and business English, especially in American English, it is frequently treated as a singular mass noun ('the data is'). Both are accepted, but consistency within a document is key.
For advanced learners and language professionals, understanding 'dato' clarifies the grammatical relationship within the word family ('data', 'database'). It's useful for precision in technical writing or when teaching the distinction between singular and plural concepts in English.