granularity: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2 (Advanced)Technical, Academic, Business
Quick answer
What does “granularity” mean?
The quality or state of being composed of small, distinct elements or levels of detail.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The quality or state of being composed of small, distinct elements or levels of detail.
In data analysis, computing, and project management, it refers to the level of detail or precision available in data or a process. High granularity means fine detail; low granularity means broad, summarized information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. Slightly more common in US technical/business jargon, but widely used in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral to positive. Suggests precision, control, and analytical capability.
Frequency
High frequency in tech, data science, and business contexts; low in everyday conversation.
Grammar
How to Use “granularity” in a Sentence
[verb] + the granularity (e.g., increase, adjust, control)granularity + [preposition] + [noun] (e.g., granularity of data, granularity in reporting)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “granularity” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- We need to granularise the data for the quarterly review.
- The software allows you to granularise the search parameters.
American English
- We need to granularize the metrics for the client dashboard.
- The model granularizes user behavior into discrete events.
adjective
British English
- We offer a more granular breakdown of costs in the annex.
- A granular analysis revealed localised trends.
American English
- The new API provides more granular control over settings.
- We require granular data at the transaction level.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
We need to adjust the granularity of our sales reports to track regional performance more effectively.
Academic
The study's findings are limited by the coarse granularity of the historical census data.
Everyday
(Rare) The recipe's instructions lack granularity; it just says 'add some spices'.
Technical
The sensor's temporal granularity is one millisecond, allowing for precise event sequencing.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “granularity”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “granularity”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “granularity”
- Using 'granularity' to mean 'granular substance' (e.g., 'the granularity of the sugar').
- Confusing with 'granulation' (a medical/biological process).
- Using it in non-abstract contexts (e.g., for physical texture).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is primarily used in formal, technical, academic, and business contexts. It is uncommon in casual conversation.
No. While the root 'granular' can describe a physical, grain-like texture (e.g., granular sugar), the noun 'granularity' is almost exclusively abstract, referring to the level of detail in information or processes.
Low granularity, which means broad, summarised, or coarse detail. Terms like 'overview', 'summary level', or 'big picture' are conceptual opposites.
Generally uncountable when referring to the abstract quality (e.g., 'The granularity is impressive'). It can be used in a countable way when referring to specific levels or types (e.g., 'different granularities of data').
The quality or state of being composed of small, distinct elements or levels of detail.
Granularity: in British English it is pronounced /ˌɡræn.jəˈlær.ə.ti/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌɡræn.jəˈlær.ə.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Drill down to the appropriate granularity.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'granular' like grains of sand. High granularity = seeing individual grains (fine detail). Low granularity = seeing the whole beach (big picture).
Conceptual Metaphor
DATA/INFORMATION IS A SUBSTANCE COMPOSED OF GRAINS. Understanding is seeing the grains.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'increasing the granularity' of a dataset typically allow?