mean distance: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Formal / Technical
Quick answer
What does “mean distance” mean?
A specific mathematical/statistical term referring to the average distance between points, typically calculated by summing all individual distances and dividing by their number.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A specific mathematical/statistical term referring to the average distance between points, typically calculated by summing all individual distances and dividing by their number.
In broader usage, it can refer to the typical or ordinary distance in a given context, though this is less precise than the statistical definition.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both use the term identically in technical contexts.
Connotations
None beyond the technical definition.
Frequency
Equally common in technical registers in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “mean distance” in a Sentence
The mean distance [from X] [to Y] [is/was calculated as] ZTo calculate/find/determine the mean distance [between] A and BVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mean distance” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The data don't mean distance is irrelevant; they mean it must be calculated precisely.
American English
- These calculations mean distance is a key variable in the model.
adjective
British English
- The mean distance calculation is crucial for the orbital model.
American English
- We need the mean distance value from the dataset.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Potentially in logistics or data analysis, e.g., 'The mean distance for last-mile delivery.'
Academic
Common in scientific papers, especially astronomy, physics, statistics, and geometry.
Everyday
Uncommon. Would likely be replaced by 'average distance'.
Technical
Primary domain. Used with precise calculation in mind.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “mean distance”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “mean distance”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mean distance”
- Using 'mean distance' to vaguely mean 'the distance that is meant/intended'.
- Pronouncing 'mean' as if it were the verb (to signify) rather than the noun/adjective (average).
- Forgetting to specify 'between what' or 'from what to what'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
In most technical contexts, yes. 'Mean' specifically refers to the arithmetic average. In everyday language, 'average' can be vaguer, but for 'mean distance', they are synonymous.
Yes. Learners might initially confuse it with the verb 'to mean' (to signify) or the adjective meaning 'unkind'. Context always clarifies it is the mathematical term.
You measure several individual distances between points, sum them all, and then divide that total by the number of distances you measured.
It is common in scientific, technical, and academic fields (STEM). It is uncommon in general everyday conversation, where 'average distance' is preferred.
A specific mathematical/statistical term referring to the average distance between points, typically calculated by summing all individual distances and dividing by their number.
Mean distance is usually formal / technical in register.
Mean distance: in British English it is pronounced /miːn ˈdɪstəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /min ˈdɪstəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “keep something at a mean distance (rare, non-technical interpretation)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MEAN (average) ruler: it doesn't show every single mark, just the one in the MIDDLE that represents the typical LENGTH.
Conceptual Metaphor
DISTANCE IS A QUANTIFIABLE SPAN; THE MEAN IS THE CENTRAL REPRESENTATIVE OF A SET.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the term 'mean distance' used with the highest degree of precision?