heterogeneity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "heterogeneity" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe diversity or variation within a particular group or system. Example: "The heterogeneity of the student population contributes to a rich learning environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The cultural heterogeneity of the EU is attested to by 30m Muslims already within its borders.

The Economist

They note that there's "substantial heterogeneity" in outcomes, with some newly unemployed getting less healthy and others using all their new free time to exercise and take up organic gardening.

The Economist

By tweaking the soil's moisture and nutrient content to increase its heterogeneity, Dr Baer has found that she can affect how well a piece of habitat functions once it has been restored.

The Economist

Second, as our understanding of the commons has become more complex, the design of economic policy instruments has become more sophisticated, enabling policy makers to address problems that are characterized by uncertainty, spatial and temporal heterogeneity, and long duration.

The Economist

Such "expression heterogeneity" was unsuspected, but is exciting because it suggests that women could be more genetically variable than men.This kind of work is important for two reasons.

The Economist

Foreign competition sifts and sorts firms, winnowing out the weakest firms and leaving a greater share of the market to their stronger rivals.Just as Mr Krugman found a clean way to account for economies of scale, Mr Melitz handles the heterogeneity of firms without spoiling the lines of his model.

The Economist

In America, the cost of heterogeneity was a protracted and bloody civil war.

The Economist

In EMs, heterogeneity in inflation allows us to divide the sample in "high" and "low" inflation episodes.

The Economist

But to the degree the English share with, or borrow from, other peoples, that itself is a mark of Englishness: heterogeneity, easy borrowing, mongrelism.

The Economist

Surely this winning combination of size and heterogeneity disproves the trade-off theory?The answer, says Mr Alesina, lies partly in history: as in many countries, borders are partly a legacy from the past.

The Economist

The middle class is not a narrow special-interest group in the same way.This heterogeneity is important.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing statistical data or research findings, use "heterogeneity" to accurately describe variations within samples or populations, ensuring clarity and precision in your analysis.

Common error

Avoid using "heterogeneity" as a vague substitute for terms like 'inconsistency' or 'error'. Ensure that you're referring to genuine diversity or variation, not simply a lack of data accuracy.

Linguistic Context

The noun "heterogeneity" functions as a descriptor of diversity or non-uniformity within a system or group. Ludwig provides examples from academic, scientific, and news sources, showing its versatility. Its use signifies a specific attribute of a subject being discussed.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

27%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "heterogeneity" is a noun denoting diversity or non-uniformity, frequently used in formal and scientific contexts. Ludwig's analysis of numerous examples confirms its prevalent usage across academic, scientific, and news domains. While synonyms like "diversity" or "variability" exist, "heterogeneity" offers a specific technical nuance. As Ludwig AI explains, it is crucial to use it to accurately depict variations within data and avoid confusing it with mere imprecision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lack of homogeneity

Directly contrasts with uniformity, stressing the absence of sameness.

non-uniformity

Similar to "lack of uniformity", but with a slightly more technical connotation.

lack of uniformity

Focuses on the absence of a consistent, standard form or quality.

diverse composition

Highlights the variety of elements that make up a whole.

varied nature

Emphasizes the different qualities or characteristics present.

mixture of elements

Describes a combination of different components.

dissimilarity

Points out the differences between elements within a group.

multifaceted character

Emphasizes the many aspects or sides of something.

assortment

Indicates a collection of different things.

disparateness

Highlights the distinct and unrelated nature of the components.

FAQs

How is "heterogeneity" used in scientific writing?

"Heterogeneity" is used to describe the diversity or variability within a population, sample, or dataset. For example, in biology, it might refer to the genetic diversity within a species. In statistics, it describes the variability of effects in a meta-analysis.

What's the difference between "heterogeneity" and "diversity"?

While both terms relate to variety, "heterogeneity" often implies a lack of uniformity within a specific system or population, whereas "diversity" more broadly refers to the presence of different elements. "Heterogeneity" tends to be used in technical or scientific contexts.

What are some synonyms for "heterogeneity"?

Synonyms for "heterogeneity" include "variability", "diversity", "non-uniformity", and "disparity". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to use "heterogeneity" when describing social groups?

Yes, it is correct. In social sciences, "heterogeneity" can describe the variety of backgrounds, beliefs, or characteristics within a group. However, be mindful of potential connotations and consider whether "diversity" or "variety" might be more appropriate depending on the context.