average

A number that represents the middle or typical value of a group of numbers.

• Her score was above the average.
• These figures give an average for the whole country.
• The class average fell this year.

How to use it: an average of something (The survey gives an average of the reported figures.); on average (On average, we receive ten calls a day.)

Common phrases: above average, below average, national average

The total of a group of numbers divided by how many numbers there are.

• The average of two and six is four.
• Add the scores and divide by five to find the average.
• We calculated the average of all ten measurements.

How to use it: the average of something (The average of four and eight is six.)

Similar words: mean, arithmetic mean

Common phrases: calculate the average, average of something, take the average

A number showing how well a player performs, calculated from their results in a sport.

• His batting average improved.
• She finished the season with the highest scoring average.
• What was his average before the final match?

Common phrases: batting average, scoring average, season average

Neither especially good nor especially bad; ordinary or in the middle.

• He is an average player.
• The food was average, but the service was friendly.
• She is of average height for her age.

Similar words: ordinary, typical, unremarkable

Opposites: exceptional

Common phrases: average player, average quality, average ability

Having the usual features of most people or things in a group.

• The average person needs regular sleep.
• What does an average family spend on food?
• On an average day, she answers twenty emails.

Similar words: typical, ordinary, normal

Opposites: atypical

Common phrases: average person, average family, average day

Neither especially good nor especially bad compared with others.

• He is an average player.
• The food was average, but the service was excellent.
• Her first essay received an average grade.

Similar words: ordinary, unremarkable, mediocre

Common phrases: average player, average quality, average performance

To have a particular value when amounts over time or across a group are added and divided.

• Sales average fifty items a day.
• We averaged six hours of sleep last week.
• How many points does she average per game?

How to use it: average + amount (The team averages three goals per match.)

Common phrases: average ten points, average six hours, average fifty kilometres

To add several numbers and divide the total by how many numbers there are.

• Average these four numbers.
• We averaged the scores from both tests.
• Have you averaged all the measurements yet?

How to use it: average something (Average the five readings to get a more reliable result.)

Similar words: calculate the mean of

Common phrases: average the scores, average the results, average three numbers