median

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "median" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in statistical contexts to refer to the middle value in a data set when it is ordered from least to greatest. Example: "To find the median of the data set, arrange the numbers in ascending order and identify the middle value."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Households in south east were found to have a median wealth of £309,700 - the highest of any region across Britain.

The Guardian

The median length of a marriage is about 11 years which, they point out, fits "surprisingly well" with the Pleistocene 15.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Related: The Observer view on London's wealth gap According to the SMF report, the 26 to 35-year-old group has suffered a 36% drop in savings since 2005 – from a median £461 to £296 – while the top 20% of earners "are far more financially secure today than going into the downturn".

The Guardian - Business

The map below shows median household total wealth, by region between 2006/08 and 2010/12.

The Guardian

The median value of an owner-occupied house in Inkster is about $55,400.

The Guardian

The report said that in 2005 median net financial wealth among the bottom fifth of incomes was around £120 per person.

The Guardian - Business

Meanwhile, in the top income group, median net financial wealth rose by 89%.

The Guardian - Business

In fact, although you are heading towards double the median income, you might well feel part of the "squeezed middle".

The Guardian - Business

"But do you think Americans will understand five times the median income in this country for one speech?" Sawyer asked.

The Guardian

I am now 32 and the fact that I am still here, and the median survival age for CF has lengthened to 41 years, is testament to an improvement in treatment, drugs and research.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

In Westmorland and Lonsdale the median age is 49 compared with 28 in Manchester, where almost seven in 10 households suffer deprivation in terms of employment, education, health and housing, compared with just about half in Cumbria.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "median" in statistical contexts, clearly define the dataset you're referring to. For example, specify "the median income of households in the region" rather than simply "the median."

Common error

Avoid using "median" interchangeably with "mean" (average). The median is the middle value, while the mean is the sum of all values divided by the number of values. Use "median" when you want to reduce the impact of outliers.

Linguistic Context

The word "median" functions primarily as an adjective to describe something that is in the middle or as a noun referring to the middle value in a set of data. As Ludwig AI pointed out, its correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

20%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "median" is a versatile word predominantly used in statistics to represent the middle value of a dataset, though it also finds application in general contexts to indicate centrality. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's grammatically sound and widely accepted. It's crucial to distinguish "median" from similar terms like "mean", particularly when outliers are present, making "median" the preferred choice. While the word's frequency is very common across various authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist, understanding its proper usage ensures clarity and precision in both statistical analysis and everyday communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

middle value

Replaces "median" with a more explicit term indicating the central number in a dataset.

central tendency

Refers to a statistical measure identifying a single value as representative of an entire distribution.

midpoint

Indicates the exact center or halfway point in a range or sequence.

average value

Although technically "mean" is the arithmetic average, "average value" is often used more generally to indicate a typical or central value.

typical value

Emphasizes the representativeness of a central value within a dataset.

intermediate point

Highlights the position between extremes, similar to the median's location in a dataset.

central figure

Used when "median" refers to a person or entity that occupies a central role.

middle ground

Represents a compromise or balance between opposing positions, analogous to the median's central position.

balancing point

Similar to middle ground, implies equilibrium or centrality in a discussion or decision.

representative value

Focuses on how well a single number summarizes a dataset, akin to the median's role.

FAQs

How does the "median" differ from the mean?

The "mean" is the average of all numbers in a set, calculated by summing all values and dividing by the count. The "median" is the middle value when the numbers are arranged in order. The median is less sensitive to outliers than the mean.

When is it best to use the "median" instead of the mean?

Use the "median" when dealing with datasets that have extreme values or outliers. The median provides a more stable measure of central tendency in such cases, as it's not affected by unusually high or low values like the "mean" is.

What does it mean when a value is said to be 'at the "median"'?

When a value is 'at the "median"', it means that half of the values in the dataset are lower than it, and half are higher. It represents the central point of the data distribution, offering a sense of the "typical value" without being skewed by outliers.

Can "median" be used outside of statistical contexts?

Yes, while primarily used in statistics, "median" can also describe something that is in the middle or central position in a more general sense. For example, "the "median" strip on a highway" or "the "median" voter in a political spectrum."