Formally, "average" refers to one of two measures of a data set:
The data set's mean: sum all the items in the data set and divide by the number of items summed. If three children have heights of 2 feet, 3 feet, and 5 feet, then their mean height is 3 and 1/3 feet.
Imagine an extra-long yardstick. Now let's say we hang bowling balls of equal weight from the yardstick at the 2-foot mark, the 3-foot mark, and the 5-foot mark. Assuming the bowling balls don't all slide off, the yardstick should balance if it's held near the 3 and 1/3 foot mark. This is a general observation about the mean that might be helpful if you're wondering what to think of it.
The data set's median, or its middle item. If three children have heights of 2 feet, 3 feet, and 5 feet, then their median height is 3 feet. Statisticians disagree on how the median is defined with respect to a data set with an even number of elements.
It's really quite unfortunate the way "average" has come to mean two things. I strongly recommend the use of "mean" or "median" if you know what the fuck you're talking about.
Informally, the word "average" is even more misused. I can accept sentences like "The average adult watches 4.5 hours of television a day," even though they're technically incorrect--a little rhetorical flourish is fine. But the commonly accepted meaning of "average" is certainly **not** "just under par", as some Urban Dictionary users seem to use it.
The data set's mean: sum all the items in the data set and divide by the number of items summed. If three children have heights of 2 feet, 3 feet, and 5 feet, then their mean height is 3 and 1/3 feet.
Imagine an extra-long yardstick. Now let's say we hang bowling balls of equal weight from the yardstick at the 2-foot mark, the 3-foot mark, and the 5-foot mark. Assuming the bowling balls don't all slide off, the yardstick should balance if it's held near the 3 and 1/3 foot mark. This is a general observation about the mean that might be helpful if you're wondering what to think of it.
The data set's median, or its middle item. If three children have heights of 2 feet, 3 feet, and 5 feet, then their median height is 3 feet. Statisticians disagree on how the median is defined with respect to a data set with an even number of elements.
It's really quite unfortunate the way "average" has come to mean two things. I strongly recommend the use of "mean" or "median" if you know what the fuck you're talking about.
Informally, the word "average" is even more misused. I can accept sentences like "The average adult watches 4.5 hours of television a day," even though they're technically incorrect--a little rhetorical flourish is fine. But the commonly accepted meaning of "average" is certainly **not** "just under par", as some Urban Dictionary users seem to use it.
by "better geeky than stupid" May 3, 2009
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Term used in solemn, resigned existential angst by a man or woman to describe something that was so horrible and painful that they couldn't possibly stand to relive it.
Term used in solemn, resigned existential angst by a man or woman to describe something that was so horrible and painful that they couldn't possibly stand to relive it.
by The Governor July 22, 2004
Get the average mug.1. adj. to describe anything that while it functions to its minimal specification, it still sucks
2. adj. bad
3. n. one who is not good
2. adj. bad
3. n. one who is not good
1. Man, my new computer is average.
2. That was a pretty average performance by my local sports team.
3. You are an average.
2. That was a pretty average performance by my local sports team.
3. You are an average.
by Chewy January 2, 2005
Get the average mug.Guy 1 - Dude its been forever since I got laid.
Guy 2 - Yeah man, you seriously need to get some average.
Guy 2 - Yeah man, you seriously need to get some average.
by akaBmo September 16, 2009
Get the Average mug.Average means normal. Average is always at the medium mark, it is not too much neither too low.
Here are the things that an average person does in his lifetime:
Go to school
Graduate from college
Get a girlfriend
Get married
Get two kids (a daughter and a son)
Get his kids graduated
Live a normal life.
Here are the things that an average person does in his lifetime:
Go to school
Graduate from college
Get a girlfriend
Get married
Get two kids (a daughter and a son)
Get his kids graduated
Live a normal life.
David:Jessica do you think my personality is charming?
Jessica:Nope, I think your average.
(David didn't come to high school tomorrow neither the day after.)
Jessica:Nope, I think your average.
(David didn't come to high school tomorrow neither the day after.)
by XxThisisnotmyrealnameXx May 9, 2018
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