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B1 noun, adjective, verb #42 most common 15 min read

average

Top 42

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips average in 30 Seconds

Explanation average in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'average' is a word you might use to describe something that is 'normal' or 'in the middle.' Imagine you have three boxes: one is very big, one is very small, and one is in the middle. The middle box is the 'average' size. You can use it to talk about simple things like the weather or your day. If your day was not very good and not very bad, you can say it was an 'average day.' It is a helpful word for beginners because it helps you describe things that are not 'extreme' or 'special.' You might also see it in simple math problems at school. For example, if you have 2 apples and your friend has 4 apples, the average is 3 apples. It is a way to find a number that is fair for everyone. At this level, just remember that 'average' means 'not too much and not too little.' It is the 'middle' point. You can use it as an adjective before a noun, like 'an average house' or 'an average student.' It helps you talk about the world in a simple, balanced way.

At the A2 level, you start to use 'average' more often to describe typical things in your life. You might use it to talk about your habits or the people around you. For example, you could say, 'The average person in my country drinks tea every morning.' This means most people do it, or it is a very common thing to do. You also learn the phrase 'on average.' This is very useful for giving information that is generally true. You might say, 'On average, I study for two hours every night.' This means some nights you study more, and some nights you study less, but usually, it is two hours. You also use 'average' to describe prices or sizes when you are shopping. If a shirt costs $20 and that is a normal price, you can say it is an 'average price.' At this level, 'average' helps you make general statements about the world. It is a step up from just saying 'normal' because it sounds a bit more precise. You are beginning to understand that 'average' is a way to summarize a lot of different information into one simple idea.

As a B1 learner, you should be comfortable using 'average' as a noun, an adjective, and a verb. This is the level where you start to see 'average' in news reports and more detailed discussions. You might hear about the 'average temperature' or the 'average salary' in a city. You understand that 'average' is a mathematical result, but also a social description. You can use the verb form to describe trends: 'The car averages 50 miles per gallon.' This shows you can talk about how things perform over time. You also start to use 'above average' and 'below average' to compare things. For example, 'Her English skills are above average for her age.' This is a great way to give more specific feedback. You are also becoming aware of the different meanings of 'average' in different contexts. You know that calling a movie 'average' means it was okay but not great. You are starting to use 'average' to provide balance in your writing and speaking, helping you avoid over-generalizing with words like 'all' or 'none.' It is a key word for expressing complexity in a simple way.

At the B2 level, you use 'average' with more nuance and precision. You are likely encountering the word in academic or professional settings. You understand the difference between 'average' and other terms like 'mean' or 'median,' even if you don't always use them. You can discuss 'weighted averages' or 'moving averages' in a business context. You use the phrase 'average out' to describe how things balance over time: 'The high costs in the first month will average out over the year.' This shows a sophisticated understanding of how data works. You also use 'average' to discuss social issues, such as the 'average standard of living' or 'average life expectancy.' You are aware that 'average' can sometimes be a sensitive word when applied to people, and you choose your words carefully. You might use synonyms like 'typical' or 'representative' to be more descriptive. At this level, 'average' is not just a word for the middle; it is a tool for analysis and critical thinking. You can use it to challenge generalizations or to provide a solid foundation for your arguments in essays and presentations.

At the C1 level, you have a deep understanding of the stylistic and statistical implications of 'average.' You can use it to discuss complex data sets and recognize when 'average' might be a misleading term. You are comfortable using it in formal reports, where you might contrast the 'arithmetic average' with the 'median' to provide a more accurate picture of a situation. You also use the word in more abstract and philosophical ways. For example, you might discuss the 'myth of the average person' in marketing or sociology, recognizing that the 'average' is often a mathematical construct that doesn't actually exist in reality. Your vocabulary includes many sophisticated synonyms and related idioms, such as 'par for the course,' 'middle-of-the-road,' or 'mediocre.' You can use 'average' to create subtle irony or to provide a dry, objective tone in your writing. You are also adept at using the verb form in complex grammatical structures, such as 'The results, when averaged across all demographics, revealed a surprising trend.' At this level, 'average' is a versatile instrument in your linguistic toolkit, used with precision and flair.

At the C2 level, your mastery of 'average' is complete, allowing you to use it with the same flexibility and nuance as a highly educated native speaker. You understand the historical etymology of the word—from the Old French 'avarie' related to maritime loss—and how that history shaped its modern meanings. You can use 'average' in highly specialized contexts, such as 'average-cost pricing' in economics or 'average molecular weight' in chemistry, without hesitation. You are also sensitive to the rhetorical power of the word. You know how to use 'average' to either minimize or highlight a point, depending on your communicative goal. You might use it in literary ways, describing a character's 'average' life to emphasize their relatability or their quiet desperation. You are also aware of the cultural baggage the word carries in different English-speaking societies, where 'being average' might be seen as a failure in one context and a virtue in another. For you, 'average' is not just a word; it is a concept that you can manipulate to express the finest shades of meaning, whether you are writing a scientific paper, a piece of fiction, or engaging in a high-level debate.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

average in 30 Seconds

Average represents the middle value or the typical standard in a group or data set.
It can be a noun (the mean), an adjective (typical), or a verb (to calculate the mean).
The phrase 'on average' is commonly used to introduce general facts or statistics.
In math, you find it by adding all numbers and dividing by the total count.

The word average is a fundamental pillar of both mathematical logic and everyday social observation. At its core, it represents a central value or a typical state within a set of data or a group of people. When we speak about the average, we are looking for the 'middle ground'—the point that represents the whole without necessarily being identical to every single part. In a mathematical sense, it is the arithmetic mean, calculated by summing all values and dividing by the count. However, in social contexts, it often describes something that is ordinary, common, or not particularly special. Understanding this word requires balancing its role as a precise tool for calculation and its role as a subjective descriptor of normality.

Mathematical Context: In statistics, the average is the mean. If you have five students with scores of 70, 80, 80, 90, and 100, the average score is 84. This provides a single number that summarizes the performance of the entire group, allowing for comparisons between different classes or years.

The average rainfall in this region has increased significantly over the last decade due to climate shifts.

Beyond math, we use 'average' to describe people, objects, or experiences that do not stand out. An 'average day' is one where nothing particularly good or bad happens. An 'average person' refers to a hypothetical individual who possesses the most common traits of a population. This usage can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation, implying a lack of excellence or distinction, though it is frequently used neutrally to establish a baseline for comparison. For instance, a consumer might look for an average price to ensure they aren't overpaying for a product.

Social Context: When describing a person's height or intelligence as average, we are placing them in the center of a bell curve. It suggests they are representative of the majority of the population.

I consider myself an average cook; I can follow a recipe well, but I rarely invent my own dishes.

The verb form of average is equally important. To average something means to calculate the mean or to result in a mean value over time. For example, a runner might average eight minutes per mile over a long distance. This implies consistency and a cumulative measurement. In business, companies often average their profits over several quarters to smooth out seasonal fluctuations and get a clearer picture of their financial health. This process of 'averaging out' helps in making long-term predictions and setting realistic goals based on historical performance rather than isolated incidents.

Business Usage: Analysts use moving averages to track stock prices, which helps them identify trends by filtering out the 'noise' of daily price changes.

If we average our expenses, we spend about three hundred dollars on groceries every month.

On average, it takes about twenty minutes to commute to the city center from here.

In conclusion, 'average' is a versatile term that transitions seamlessly from the classroom to the boardroom and into the living room. Whether you are calculating the average of a set of numbers, describing an average movie you saw last night, or averaging your weekly work hours, the word serves to provide a sense of scale and expectation. It is the yardstick by which we measure both the exceptional and the mundane, providing a necessary point of reference in an increasingly data-driven world. By mastering its various forms and nuances, you gain a powerful tool for describing the world with both precision and relatability.

Using the word average correctly depends heavily on its grammatical role as a noun, adjective, or verb. Each role carries a specific structural requirement and shifts the focus of the sentence. When used as an adjective, 'average' typically precedes a noun to describe its quality or quantity as being typical or middle-range. For example, 'The average temperature in July is 30 degrees.' Here, it modifies 'temperature' to indicate what is expected. As a noun, it often follows a preposition or acts as the subject/object of a sentence, such as in 'The average of these three numbers is ten.' In this case, it represents the result of a calculation.

Adjective Placement: Place 'average' directly before the noun it describes. It functions like 'typical' or 'standard'. Example: 'An average student' or 'The average price'.

The average household income has remained stagnant despite the rising costs of living.

The verb form 'to average' is particularly useful when discussing trends over time or across a group. It is often followed by a number or a phrase indicating a rate. For instance, 'The car averages thirty miles per gallon.' This usage implies a consistent performance level. You can also use it transitively, as in 'We averaged the results to find the mean.' This describes the action of performing the calculation. Another common verbal structure is 'to average out,' which suggests that fluctuations eventually balance each other to reach a stable middle point. 'The high and low temperatures will average out over the week.'

Verb Conjugation: Average (present), averaged (past), averaging (present participle). Example: 'He is averaging ten points per game this season.'

If you average your study time over the month, you'll see you've worked harder than you thought.

One of the most frequent ways to use 'average' is in the phrase 'on average.' This functions as an adverbial phrase, usually placed at the beginning or end of a sentence to qualify a statement as being generally true but not necessarily true in every specific case. 'On average, women live longer than men.' This tells the listener that while there are many exceptions, the general trend is clear. It is a vital tool for making generalizations that are backed by data. It avoids the trap of saying 'all' or 'always,' which are often factually incorrect in statistical contexts.

The Phrase 'On Average': Use this to introduce a statistic or a general observation. It adds a layer of professional and factual tone to your speech or writing.

On average, a person will spend about six months of their life waiting for red lights to turn green.

The average of the test scores was surprisingly high, indicating that the material was well-understood.

Finally, consider the comparative and superlative forms: 'above average' and 'below average.' These are essential for evaluation. If a student's work is 'above average,' they are performing better than most of their peers. If a company's growth is 'below average,' it may be struggling compared to its competitors. These phrases allow for nuanced feedback without needing to provide specific numbers every time. They provide a qualitative assessment based on a quantitative baseline. By integrating these various forms into your vocabulary, you can describe everything from mathematical results to personal performance with clarity and precision.

The word average is ubiquitous, appearing in almost every domain of human activity. In the world of news and journalism, it is a staple for reporting on economic trends, weather patterns, and social demographics. You will hear news anchors discuss the 'average price of gasoline' or the 'average age of the population.' In these contexts, 'average' serves as a tool for simplifying complex data sets into a single, digestible figure that the general public can understand. It helps people contextualize their own lives—for instance, knowing if their heating bill is higher or lower than the national average.

In Sports: Commentators frequently use 'average' to evaluate player performance. A 'batting average' in baseball or a 'points-per-game average' in basketball are critical metrics for determining a player's value and consistency.

His average speed during the marathon was impressive, keeping him in the top ten throughout the race.

In educational settings, 'average' is a word students and teachers use daily. Grade Point Average (GPA) is perhaps the most significant use, representing a student's overall academic performance. Teachers might also tell a class that the 'average score on the exam was 75%,' which helps students understand where they stand relative to their peers. This use of the word is both motivational and evaluative. It sets a benchmark for what is expected and identifies who might need extra help or who is excelling beyond the norm.

In Business and Finance: Companies use 'average' to set targets and measure success. They look at 'average customer spend' or 'average time on site' to optimize their marketing strategies and improve user experience.

The average consumer is becoming more conscious of sustainable packaging when making purchasing decisions.

In everyday conversation, 'average' is used to describe the quality of experiences. If someone asks, 'How was the movie?' and you reply, 'It was average,' you are communicating that it wasn't particularly good or bad—it was just okay. It met your basic expectations but didn't exceed them. This colloquial use is very common and helps people manage expectations. We also hear it in phrases like 'the average Joe' or 'the average person on the street,' referring to a typical citizen without specialized knowledge or status. This reinforces the idea of 'average' as a symbol of the common experience.

The average person needs about seven to nine hours of sleep per night to function optimally.

Finally, 'average' is a key term in science and research. Scientists use averages to find patterns in nature, from the 'average wingspan of a bird' to the 'average distance between planets.' It allows researchers to move past individual variations and find universal truths. Whether you are reading a scientific paper, watching a sports highlight reel, or just chatting with a friend about your day, 'average' is the word that helps us make sense of the vast amount of information we encounter by finding the common thread that ties it all together.

In Science: Researchers calculate the average response time in experiments to determine the statistical significance of their findings.

The average depth of the ocean is about 3,688 meters, though it varies greatly by region.

One of the most frequent mistakes learners make with the word average is confusing it with other statistical measures like 'median' or 'mode.' While 'average' (the mean) is the sum divided by the count, the 'median' is the middle value in a list, and the 'mode' is the most frequent value. In a group where one person is a billionaire and nine people are penniless, the 'average' wealth is 100 million, but the 'median' and 'mode' are zero. Using 'average' in such cases can be misleading. It is important to ensure that the 'average' truly represents the 'typical' experience you are trying to describe, or to specify that you are referring to the arithmetic mean.

Mean vs. Median: Avoid using 'average' when a few extreme values (outliers) make the mean unrepresentative of the group. In those cases, 'median' is often a better word.

Don't say 'The average person is a millionaire' just because one person in the room is extremely wealthy.

Another common error is the misuse of prepositions. Many learners say 'in average' when they should say 'on average.' This is a classic preposition mistake. 'On average' is a fixed idiomatic phrase. For example, 'On average, I drink two cups of coffee a day' is correct, while 'In average, I drink...' is incorrect. Similarly, when using it as a noun, we say 'the average of,' not 'the average from' or 'the average about.' Precision with prepositions is key to sounding natural and professional in English.

Preposition Pitfall: Always use 'on average' for generalizations. 'In average' is a common mistake for non-native speakers influenced by other languages.

Correct: On average, the flight takes six hours. Incorrect: In average, the flight takes six hours.

A third mistake involves the connotation of 'average' when describing people. Calling someone 'average' can sometimes be perceived as an insult, implying they are mediocre or unexceptional. If you want to be more polite or positive, you might use words like 'typical,' 'standard,' or 'representative.' For instance, instead of saying 'He is an average worker,' which might sound like he isn't very good, you could say 'He meets all the standard requirements of the role.' Context is vital here; in a medical or statistical report, 'average' is neutral, but in a personal performance review, it can feel underwhelming.

Instead of saying her performance was average, you might say it was 'consistent with expectations'.

Lastly, learners sometimes struggle with the verb form. They might say 'It averages at ten' instead of 'It averages ten.' While 'averages at' is occasionally heard, 'averages' followed directly by the number is more standard and concise. Also, remember that 'average' as a verb needs a subject that can logically produce a mean, like a process, a person's habits, or a data set. You wouldn't say 'The table averages four legs,' because that is a fixed fact, not a result of multiple instances. Understanding these subtle distinctions will help you use 'average' with the confidence of a native speaker.

Verb Usage: The verb 'average' is used for things that vary but have a consistent mean over time. Example: 'The temperature averages 20 degrees in spring.'

The company averages five new clients per month, which is a healthy growth rate.

The word average has several synonyms, each with its own specific nuance and appropriate context. The most direct mathematical synonym is mean. While 'average' is used in everyday speech, 'mean' is the preferred term in technical, scientific, and mathematical writing. If you are writing a lab report or a financial analysis, 'mean' sounds more precise. Another related term is median, which refers to the middle value in a series. Using 'median' instead of 'average' is crucial when the data set has extreme outliers that would skew the mean, such as in reports on national income.

Average vs. Mean: 'Average' is general and conversational; 'Mean' is technical and specific to the arithmetic calculation.

While the average score was 70, the median score was 85, showing that a few very low scores pulled the mean down.

When describing quality or character, typical and ordinary are excellent alternatives. 'Typical' suggests that something possesses the qualities that distinguish its group. A 'typical Monday' is one that feels like most other Mondays. 'Ordinary,' on the other hand, can sometimes imply that something is plain or uninteresting. If you say a meal was 'ordinary,' it might sound slightly more critical than saying it was 'average.' Another useful word is standard, which implies that something meets a recognized level of quality or requirement. 'Standard procedure' is the usual way of doing things, much like an 'average' way, but with more authority.

Average vs. Typical: 'Average' often focuses on the middle of a range; 'Typical' focuses on the characteristics that make something a good example of its kind.

It was a typical winter day—cold, gray, and slightly damp.

In more formal or literary contexts, you might encounter mediocre or run-of-the-mill. 'Mediocre' is almost always negative, suggesting that something is of low quality despite being 'average' in a literal sense. 'Run-of-the-mill' is an idiom that describes something as being very ordinary and not at all special, often used for products or experiences. If you want to describe something that is perfectly acceptable but not exciting, unremarkable is a sophisticated choice. It suggests that there is nothing about the thing that deserves special comment, which is a very precise way of saying it is average.

The hotel was quite run-of-the-mill, but it was clean and close to the station.

Finally, consider moderate and fair. 'Moderate' is often used for things like prices, temperatures, or political views, suggesting they are not extreme. 'Fair' is frequently used in grading or evaluation to mean 'average' or 'satisfactory.' If a student receives a 'fair' grade, it is better than 'poor' but not as good as 'good' or 'excellent.' By choosing the right synonym, you can convey exactly the right tone and level of detail, moving beyond the simple 'average' to a more expressive and accurate form of English.

Comparison Table

Mean: Technical/Math
Typical: Characteristic/Pattern
Mediocre: Negative/Low quality
Moderate: Not extreme/Balanced

The restaurant received a fair review, with the critic praising the service but finding the food uninspired.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

Neutral

Informal

Child friendly

Slang

Fun Fact

Because 'average' originally meant 'damage,' the word is actually related to the Arabic word 'awariya,' which means 'damaged goods.' It's a rare example of a mathematical term that started as a legal and insurance term for disasters at sea!

Pronunciation Guide

UK /ˈæv.ər.ɪdʒ/

US /ˈæv.rɪdʒ/

The stress is on the first syllable: AV-er-age.

Rhymes With

beverage leverage cleavage (near rhyme) savage (near rhyme) ravage (near rhyme) manage (near rhyme) damage (near rhyme) package (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it as three distinct syllables (av-er-age) when it should be two or two-and-a-half.
Confusing the 'a' sound with 'ah' (like in father).
Misplacing the stress on the second syllable.
Pronouncing the 'g' as a hard 'g' instead of a soft 'j' sound.
Failing to reduce the middle vowel sound.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 3/5

Easy to recognize in text, but requires context to know if it's math or quality.

Writing 4/5

Learners often struggle with the preposition 'on average' and the verb form.

Speaking 3/5

Pronunciation can be tricky due to vowel reduction.

Listening 2/5

Commonly used and usually clear in spoken English.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

middle normal total divide number

Learn Next

median mode statistics percentage proportion

Advanced

standard deviation arithmetic mean geometric mean outlier variance

Grammar to Know

Using 'average' as a verb

The team averages two goals per game.

The preposition 'on' with average

On average, the journey takes two hours.

Adjective placement

She is an average-sized woman.

Noun with 'of'

The average of 10, 20, and 30 is 20.

Compound adjectives with hyphens

He gave an above-average performance.

Examples by Level

The average height of the children is one meter.

L'altezza media dei bambini è di un metro.

Used as an adjective before the noun 'height'.

It was an average day at school.

È stata una giornata normale a scuola.

Used as an adjective to mean 'normal' or 'ordinary'.

The average of 2 and 4 is 3.

La media di 2 e 4 è 3.

Used as a noun followed by 'of'.

He is an average student.

Lui è uno studente nella media.

Used as an adjective modifying 'student'.

The average price of a coffee is three dollars.

Il prezzo medio di un caffè è di tre dollari.

Used as an adjective modifying 'price'.

She has an average family.

Lei ha una famiglia normale.

Used as an adjective to mean 'typical'.

The average weight of the cat is five kilos.

Il peso medio del gatto è di cinque chili.

Used as an adjective modifying 'weight'.

Is this an average size for a pizza?

Questa è una dimensione normale per una pizza?

Used as an adjective in a question.

On average, I wake up at seven o'clock.

In media, mi sveglio alle sette.

The phrase 'on average' acts as an adverbial phrase.

The average temperature in summer is very high.

La temperatura media in estate è molto alta.

Adjective modifying 'temperature'.

The average person drinks a lot of water.

La persona media beve molta acqua.

Adjective meaning 'typical'.

We found the average of the test scores.

Abbiamo trovato la media dei punteggi dei test.

Noun used as the object of the verb 'found'.

The average house in this city is expensive.

La casa media in questa città è costosa.

Adjective modifying 'house'.

On average, the bus arrives every ten minutes.

In media, l'autobus arriva ogni dieci minuti.

Using 'on average' to describe frequency.

His work is about average for this class.

Il suo lavoro è circa nella media per questa classe.

Used as an adjective after the verb 'to be'.

The average speed of the car was 60 km/h.

La velocità media dell'auto era di 60 km/h.

Adjective modifying 'speed'.

The car averages thirty miles per gallon.

L'auto fa in media trenta miglia per gallone.

Used as a verb meaning 'to have as an average'.

Her grades are well above average.

I suoi voti sono ben al di sopra della media.

Noun used in the phrase 'above average'.

On average, women live longer than men.

In media, le donne vivono più a lungo degli uomini.

Adverbial phrase introducing a general statistic.

We need to average the results of the three experiments.

Dobbiamo fare la media dei risultati dei tre esperimenti.

Used as a transitive verb.

The average worker spends forty hours a week at the office.

Il lavoratore medio trascorre quaranta ore a settimana in ufficio.

Adjective describing a typical member of a group.

The movie was just average, nothing special.

Il film era solo nella media, niente di speciale.

Adjective used to mean 'mediocre' or 'ordinary'.

If you average out the costs, it's not that expensive.

Se fai la media dei costi, non è così costoso.

Phrasal verb 'average out' meaning to balance over time.

The average age of the participants was twenty-five.

L'età media dei partecipanti era di venticinque anni.

Adjective modifying 'age'.

The stock's moving average suggests a downward trend.

La media mobile del titolo suggerisce una tendenza al ribasso.

Technical use of 'moving average' as a compound noun.

He averaged ten points per game throughout the season.

Ha segnato in media dieci punti a partita durante la stagione.

Verb in the past tense describing a consistent rate.

The law of averages suggests that we are due for a win.

La legge delle medie suggerisce che ci spetta una vittoria.

Noun used in the idiomatic phrase 'law of averages'.

The average person's attention span is decreasing.

La durata dell'attenzione della persona media sta diminuendo.

Possessive form 'average person's'.

These fluctuations will average out over the long term.

Queste fluttuazioni si compenseranno nel lungo periodo.

Intransitive phrasal verb 'average out'.

Her performance was below average this quarter.

La sua prestazione è stata al di sotto della media in questo trimestre.

Noun used in the phrase 'below average'.

The average rainfall has been significantly lower this year.

Le precipitazioni medie sono state significativamente inferiori quest'anno.

Adjective modifying 'rainfall'.

We calculated a weighted average to give more importance to recent data.

Abbiamo calcolato una media ponderata per dare più importanza ai dati recenti.

Compound noun 'weighted average'.

The 'average' consumer is a statistical construct, not a real person.

Il consumatore 'medio' è un costrutto statistico, non una persona reale.

Using quotes to indicate the word is being used as a specific concept.

The team's performance was remarkably average, given their talent.

La prestazione della squadra è stata notevolmente mediocre, dato il loro talento.

Using 'remarkably' to add irony to the word 'average'.

By averaging the data across multiple demographics, we identified a core trend.

Facendo la media dei dati tra più gruppi demografici, abbiamo identificato una tendenza di fondo.

Gerund 'averaging' starting a participial phrase.

The city's average life expectancy has risen due to better healthcare.

L'aspettativa di vita media della città è aumentata grazie a una migliore assistenza sanitaria.

Compound noun 'average life expectancy'.

He struck an average between the two extreme proposals.

Ha trovato una via di mezzo tra le due proposte estreme.

Idiomatic use of 'strike an average' meaning to find a compromise.

The report highlights the disparity between the mean average and the median.

Il rapporto evidenzia la disparità tra la media aritmetica e la mediana.

Technical use of 'mean average' for clarity.

The average person on the street might not understand the complexity of the law.

L'uomo della strada potrebbe non capire la complessità della legge.

Idiomatic phrase 'average person on the street'.

The costs averaged out to be much higher than initially projected.

I costi si sono rivelati in media molto più alti di quanto inizialmente previsto.

Phrasal verb 'average out' followed by an infinitive.

The philosophical debate centers on whether the 'average' can ever truly represent the individual.

Il dibattito filosofico si concentra sul fatto se la 'media' possa mai rappresentare veramente l'individuo.

Noun 'average' used as an abstract concept.

The company's growth, while steady, was deemed mediocre by those accustomed to exponential gains.

La crescita dell'azienda, sebbene costante, è stata giudicata mediocre da chi è abituato a guadagni esponenziali.

Using 'mediocre' as a synonym for 'average' in a critical context.

The data set was normalized to ensure that outliers did not skew the average.

Il set di dati è stato normalizzato per garantire che i valori anomali non falsassero la media.

Technical context involving data normalization.

She possessed an average intelligence that was masked by her extraordinary work ethic.

Possedeva un'intelligenza media che era mascherata dalla sua straordinaria etica del lavoro.

Using 'average' to contrast with 'extraordinary'.

The historical etymology of 'average' reveals a fascinating link to maritime insurance.

L'etimologia storica di 'average' rivela un affascinante legame con l'assicurazione marittima.

Academic context discussing the word's history.

The results averaged across the entire cohort provided a compelling case for policy change.

I risultati mediati su l'intera coorte hanno fornito un argomento convincente per il cambiamento delle politiche.

Past participle 'averaged' used in a reduced relative clause.

The concept of the 'average Joe' has been central to American political rhetoric for decades.

Il concetto di 'average Joe' è stato centrale nella retorica politica americana per decenni.

Idiomatic noun phrase 'average Joe'.

One must be wary of the 'flaw of averages' when making critical business decisions.

Bisogna stare attenti al 'difetto delle medie' quando si prendono decisioni aziendali critiche.

Reference to a specific statistical fallacy.

Common Collocations

national average

above average

below average

average out

moving average

weighted average

average speed

grade point average

average household

batting average

Common Phrases

on average

— Used to say what is typical or normal in most cases. It introduces a general statistic.

On average, American families own two cars.

average Joe

— A phrase used to refer to an ordinary person who is representative of the general public.

He presents himself as an average Joe who understands the struggles of workers.

above average

— Better than the usual or typical level. It is often used as a compliment.

Her musical talent is definitely above average for a ten-year-old.

below average

— Worse or lower than the usual or typical level. It indicates a need for improvement.

The service at the restaurant was below average last night.

law of averages

— The idea that something is likely to happen eventually because it happens regularly on average.

By the law of averages, it has to stop raining soon.

strike an average

— To find a middle point or a compromise between two different amounts or ideas.

We tried to strike an average between the two prices they suggested.

average out

— To result in an average value after all the different factors are considered.

The high and low temperatures will average out to about 15 degrees.

industry average

— The typical level of performance or cost within a specific business sector.

Our profit margins are currently higher than the industry average.

average person

— A hypothetical person who has the most common characteristics of a population.

The average person spends several hours a day on their phone.

weighted average

— An average where some numbers count more than others based on their importance.

The exam counts for 60% of the weighted average for the course.

Often Confused With

average vs median

The median is the middle number in a list, while the average is the sum divided by the count.

average vs mode

The mode is the most frequent number, whereas the average is a calculated mean.

average vs normal

'Normal' is more about behavior or state, while 'average' is more about quantity or level.

Idioms & Expressions

"Average Joe"

— A typical, ordinary person without special status or wealth. It is often used in politics.

The tax cut was designed to help the average Joe.

informal

"The law of averages"

— The belief that a particular outcome is inevitable over time to maintain a statistical balance.

I've lost five times in a row, so the law of averages says I should win soon.

neutral

"Middle of the road"

— Not extreme; average or ordinary in opinions or style. Often used for politics or music.

His political views are very middle of the road.

neutral

"Par for the course"

— What is expected or typical in a particular situation, often something negative.

The flight was delayed, but that's par for the course with this airline.

informal

"Run of the mill"

— Ordinary and not special or exciting in any way. Used for objects or experiences.

It was just a run-of-the-mill meeting with no major decisions.

informal

"Happy medium"

— A middle way between two extremes that is satisfactory to everyone involved.

We need to find a happy medium between working too hard and not working enough.

neutral

"Common or garden"

— Very common or ordinary. Often used in British English to describe plants or animals.

It's just a common or garden variety of spider, nothing dangerous.

informal (UK)

"Plain Jane"

— An average-looking woman who does not use much makeup or wear fancy clothes.

She was a bit of a Plain Jane in high school, but she's very successful now.

informal/slightly derogatory

"Small beer"

— Something that is average or insignificant compared to something else more important.

Our problems are small beer compared to what they are going through.

informal

"Garden-variety"

— Ordinary or common; not special or unusual. Similar to run-of-the-mill.

It was a garden-variety cold, nothing to worry about.

informal

Easily Confused

average vs Mean

They are often used interchangeably in math.

Mean is the technical term for the arithmetic average. 'Average' is the common word used in daily life.

The mean of the data set is 5.4.

average vs Median

Both represent a 'middle' value.

Median is the literal middle point in a ranked list. Average is the calculated balance point.

The median house price is often lower than the average price.

average vs Typical

Both describe what is common.

Typical refers to characteristics and qualities. Average refers to a numerical or standard level.

A typical day involves coffee, but the average person drinks two cups.

average vs Ordinary

Both mean 'not special'.

Ordinary describes something plain or uninteresting. Average describes something in the middle of a range.

He is an ordinary man with an average income.

average vs Standard

Both refer to a baseline.

Standard implies a required or official level. Average is simply what is most common.

The standard size is large, but the average person buys a medium.

Sentence Patterns

The average [noun] is [number].

The average price is five dollars.

On average, [sentence].

On average, I drink two liters of water.

[Noun] averages [number] per [time].

The car averages 40 miles per gallon.

To be above/below average.

His height is below average for his age.

[Things] will average out to [number].

The costs will average out to $100 per person.

To strike an average between [A] and [B].

We struck an average between the two estimates.

The average of [set] was [number].

The average of the responses was overwhelmingly positive.

[Noun], when averaged across [group], reveals [fact].

Income, when averaged across all regions, reveals a gap.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Very high in both spoken and written English.

Common Mistakes

In average, the weather is nice. → On average, the weather is nice.
The correct preposition for this idiomatic phrase is 'on,' not 'in.'
The average from these numbers is ten. → The average of these numbers is ten.
When using 'average' as a noun to describe a set, use the preposition 'of.'
He is a very mean student. → He is an average student.
In this context, 'mean' means 'unkind.' Use 'average' to describe his academic level.
The car averages at 50 miles per hour. → The car averages 50 miles per hour.
The verb 'average' usually takes the number directly as an object without 'at.'
The average of 2, 2, and 100 is 2. → The median of 2, 2, and 100 is 2.
The average (mean) is 34.6. The median is 2. Don't confuse the two when there are outliers.

Tips

Use 'On Average'

Always use the preposition 'on' with average when making a general statement. 'On average, people sleep 8 hours.' This is a fixed phrase that makes your English sound much more natural.

Mean vs. Average

Use 'mean' in your math homework and 'average' when talking to your friends. Using 'mean' in a casual conversation about a movie might sound a bit too formal or strange.

Be Careful with People

Avoid calling a person 'average' if you want to be nice. Instead, say they are 'typical' or that their work is 'consistent.' 'Average' can sound like you are saying they aren't special.

The Calculation

Remember: Sum / Count = Average. If you have 4, 6, and 8, the sum is 18. There are 3 numbers. 18 divided by 3 is 6. That is your average.

Moving Averages

In business, look for 'moving averages' to see trends. They are better than daily numbers because they hide small, unimportant changes and show the big picture.

Vary Your Words

If you use 'average' in one sentence, try 'typical' or 'standard' in the next. This makes your writing more interesting to read and shows you have a big vocabulary.

Listen for Numbers

When you hear the word 'average' in the news, get ready to hear a number. It's almost always followed by a statistic that summarizes a lot of information.

Pronunciation Tip

Don't try to say every letter in 'average.' Most native speakers say it like 'AV-rij.' It's faster and sounds more fluent than saying 'AV-er-age' very slowly.

Average Joe

Use the phrase 'average Joe' to talk about a normal person. It's a very common idiom in American English and is often used in politics and advertising.

Weighted Average

In university, learn how a 'weighted average' works. It's how your final grade is calculated when the final exam is worth more than the small quizzes.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'A Very Regular Age'. The first letters AV-R-AGE spell out the word, and 'very regular' reminds you that it means typical or middle-of-the-road.

Visual Association

Imagine a see-saw with several children of different weights. The 'average' is the point in the middle where the see-saw is perfectly balanced.

Word Web

Mean Median Mode Typical Normal Standard Ordinary Mediocre

Challenge

Try to find three things in your room that are 'average' in size or color, and then calculate the average age of the people in your family.

Word Origin

The word 'average' comes from the Old French word 'avarie', which originally referred to damage sustained by a ship or its cargo. In maritime law, when a ship lost cargo during a storm to save the vessel, the financial loss was shared among all the owners of the cargo. This shared cost was called 'avarie'. Over time, the meaning shifted from 'shared loss' to 'shared proportion' and eventually to the mathematical 'mean' we use today.

Original meaning: Damage to a ship or cargo, and the proportional distribution of that loss among the owners.

Indo-European (via Latin and French)

Cultural Context

Avoid calling a person's appearance or specific talent 'average' to their face, as it can be taken as a slight.

In the US, 'average' is often used in sports stats. In the UK, it's frequently used in weather reports.

The movie 'Dodgeball' features a gym called 'Average Joe's'. The 'Law of Averages' is a common trope in gambling movies. The book 'The End of Average' by Todd Rose challenges the use of averages in education.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Mathematics

Calculate the average
Find the mean
The average of the set
Weighted average

Weather

Average temperature
Average rainfall
Above average heat
Seasonal average

Sports

Batting average
Points average
Average speed
Season average

Economics

Average income
National average
Average cost of living
Dow Jones Average

Personal Evaluation

Above average performance
An average student
Average height
Just average

Conversation Starters

"What is the average temperature in your hometown during the winter?"

"Do you think the average person spends too much time on social media?"

"How many hours of sleep do you get on average every night?"

"Is the cost of living in your city above or below the national average?"

"What do you think is an average amount of money to spend on a first date?"

Journal Prompts

Describe an 'average day' in your life from start to finish. What makes it typical?

Do you strive to be 'above average' in everything you do, or is being 'average' okay in some areas?

Think about your spending habits. On average, what is your biggest monthly expense and why?

Reflect on a time when you received an 'average' grade or review. How did it make you feel?

If you could change one thing about the 'average person' in the world today, what would it be?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

In most contexts, they are the same thing: the sum of all values divided by the number of values. However, 'average' is the everyday word, while 'mean' is the technical term used in mathematics and statistics. Sometimes 'average' can also loosely refer to the median or mode, but 'mean' is always the arithmetic result.

The correct phrase is 'on average.' For example, 'On average, it takes ten minutes.' 'In average' is a common mistake made by non-native speakers. Always use 'on' when you want to describe a general trend or statistic.

Yes, 'average' can be a verb. It means to result in an average or to calculate an average. For example, 'The car averages 30 miles per gallon' or 'We need to average these scores.' It is a very useful way to describe consistent performance over time.

It can be. While mathematically neutral, in social contexts, calling someone's work or appearance 'average' often implies it is not very good or is mediocre. It's usually better to use more specific or positive words like 'typical' or 'consistent' if you want to be polite.

To 'average out' means that different values or factors eventually balance each other to reach a stable middle point. For example, if you spend a lot one day and very little the next, your spending 'averages out' over the two days. It's often used to talk about long-term trends.

A moving average is a statistical calculation used to analyze data points by creating a series of averages of different subsets of the full data set. It is commonly used in finance and stock trading to smooth out short-term fluctuations and highlight longer-term trends.

To calculate an average (the mean), you add up all the numbers in a set and then divide that total by the count of numbers in the set. For example, to find the average of 5, 10, and 15, you add them (30) and divide by 3, which gives you 10.

It means something is better, higher, or greater than the typical or middle level. It is often used as a positive evaluation. For example, 'His reading skills are above average' means he reads better than most people his age.

The 'law of averages' is a layperson's term for the belief that outcomes will even out over time. For example, if you flip a coin and get heads five times, the law of averages suggests you are 'due' to get tails soon, although mathematically each flip is still 50/50.

Yes, it can. You can talk about 'average rainfall,' 'average height,' or 'average intelligence.' In these cases, it refers to the typical level or amount of that uncountable quality within a specific group or period.