subsample: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Technical, Academic
Quick answer
What does “subsample” mean?
A smaller sample taken from a larger sample.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A smaller sample taken from a larger sample; to take such a smaller sample.
In statistics and data analysis, a representative subset selected from a larger dataset for analysis or processing; the act of selecting such a subset. Often used to reduce computational load or to create training/validation splits.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant spelling or usage differences. The term is equally technical in both variants.
Connotations
Identical technical connotations in both regions.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency in general language but standard in technical fields in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “subsample” in a Sentence
to subsample [data/ population] (verb)[Noun] + subsample + of + [larger set]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “subsample” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The researcher decided to subsample the ecological survey data to speed up the initial analysis.
- To manage the computational load, we will subsample every tenth frame from the video.
American English
- The algorithm automatically subsamples the dataset before running the preliminary checks.
- You need to subsample the population to create a manageable focus group.
adjective
British English
- The subsample analysis yielded consistent results with the full study.
- They provided a subsample dataset for the training workshop.
American English
- We ran tests on a subsample group to validate the survey instrument.
- The report included a subsample comparison in the appendix.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might appear in data analytics or market research reports: 'We analysed a subsample of high-value customers.'
Academic
Common in statistics, ecology, sociology, and computational sciences: 'The model was trained on a 70% subsample of the data.'
Everyday
Extremely rare; would not be used in casual conversation.
Technical
The primary domain of use, especially in data science, machine learning, and survey methodology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “subsample”
- Using 'subsample' to mean a poor-quality sample (it is about size, not quality).
- Misspelling as 'sub-sample' (though hyphenated form is sometimes seen, 'subsample' is standard).
- Using it as a general synonym for 'example'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is most commonly written as one word ('subsample'), though you may occasionally see the hyphenated form 'sub-sample', especially in older texts.
Yes, it is commonly used as a verb in technical contexts, meaning 'to take or create a subsample from' a larger set.
A 'sample' is taken directly from a population or whole. A 'subsample' is a smaller sample taken from an initial, larger sample.
No, it is a technical term primarily used in statistics, data science, research methodology, and related scientific fields.
A smaller sample taken from a larger sample.
Subsample is usually formal, technical, academic in register.
Subsample: in British English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌsɑːm.pəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈsʌbˌsæm.pəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[]”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SUBmarine taking a smaller crew (SUBsample) from the main ship to explore deeper data.
Conceptual Metaphor
A smaller slice of a larger pie; a miniature model of a larger population.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'subsample' MOST appropriately used?