discrete variable: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “discrete variable” mean?
A quantitative variable that can take on only a countable number of distinct, separate values.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A quantitative variable that can take on only a countable number of distinct, separate values.
In statistics and mathematics, a type of variable where data points are distinct and isolated, often counted in whole numbers, contrasting with continuous variables which can take any value within a range.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Purely technical term with no regional connotations.
Frequency
Equally frequent in academic and technical contexts in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “discrete variable” in a Sentence
[discrete variable] + of + [noun] (e.g., variable of type)[discrete variable] + takes on + [value][discrete variable] + is + [described]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “discrete variable” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The model requires a discrete-variable approach.
American English
- We need a discrete-variable analysis for this survey data.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in data analysis for market segmentation (e.g., number of products purchased).
Academic
Central concept in statistics, probability theory, and quantitative research methodology.
Everyday
Rarely used; specific to technical discussions about data.
Technical
Fundamental in fields like computer science (data types), engineering, and scientific modelling.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “discrete variable”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “discrete variable”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “discrete variable”
- Misspelling as 'discreet variable'.
- Confusing it with a continuous variable in problem setup.
- Incorrectly assuming it can have decimal values representing counts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Discrete variables are counted in distinct units (e.g., 1, 2, 3), while continuous variables are measured and can take any value within a range (e.g., 1.5, 1.51, 1.511).
Typically, no. The values are distinct and countable. However, sometimes decimal numbers can represent counts (e.g., 2.5 children as an average), but the underlying variable (actual children per family) remains discrete.
They are closely related. All categorical variables (nominal, ordinal) are discrete, but not all discrete variables are categorical (e.g., 'number of pages' is discrete and numerical).
The words are homophones (sound identical) but have entirely different meanings ('discreet' means tactful). The shared Latin root 'discernere' (to separate) led to both, but their meanings diverged.
A quantitative variable that can take on only a countable number of distinct, separate values.
Discrete variable is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Discrete variable: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈskriːt ˈvɛːrɪəb(ə)l/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈskriːt ˈvɛriəb(ə)l/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of DISCRETE as having the two 'E's separated by the 'T' – the values are separate.
Conceptual Metaphor
A variable as a set of distinct, separate islands, as opposed to a continuous variable which is like a smooth, unbroken coastline.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a classic example of a discrete variable?