data
noun (countable)
UK/ˈdeɪ.tə/US/ˈdeɪ.t̬ə/
Facts and statistics collected together for reference or analysis.
Example Sentences
Researchers collected data to analyze the effects of the new policy.
The data showed a significant increase in sales over the past quarter.
Businesses rely on data to make informed decisions and strategies.
She organized the data into spreadsheets for easier interpretation.
Big data has transformed how companies understand consumer behavior.
The computer processes vast amounts of data every second.
After cleaning the data, the team began their analysis to identify trends and patterns.
The survey data was instrumental in shaping the new marketing campaign, revealing key insights into customer preferences and behaviors.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
How to Use
Sets of measurements or facts gathered and processed for insight or validation.This noun covers any kind of collected information—be it numerical, textual, visual, or otherwise—typically stored and analyzed to draw conclusions or inform decisions. You might say, “We need reliable data before making a final choice,” emphasizing the importance of accurate information. In practical use, data can be structured (like tables, spreadsheets, or databases) or unstructured (texts, images, audio), relevant to fields ranging from business analytics and scientific research to marketing and artificial intelligence. While some treat “data” as a plural (“The data show...”), modern usage often treats it as a mass or singular noun (“The data shows...”), depending on style guides. Beyond formal contexts, it can also appear in casual conversation—“The app collects my fitness data.” Whether you’re referencing big datasets for machine learning, everyday records of personal habits, or any evidence-based inputs for problem-solving, “data” underscores the role that systematically recorded facts and observations play in understanding trends, testing hypotheses, or guiding decisions. Specifying what kind (numeric, textual, observational) and how it’s gathered (surveys, sensors, experiments) helps listeners or readers appreciate the scope, reliability, and usage behind the data itself.
Alternatives
If you want to avoid repetition, synonyms such as “information,” “statistics,” “figures,” or “metrics” can offer slight variations. “Information” is a broader term, encompassing all relevant knowledge; “statistics” or “figures” emphasize numerical aspects; and “metrics” highlights specific measurements used for tracking or performance evaluation. “Evidence” can capture the idea of data used to support arguments or research findings, while “records” might signal archived details or historical logs. For less formal contexts, “facts and figures” can convey a quick way of referencing numerical info. Each alternative brings a slightly different focus—whether you’re underscoring the quantitative side, the overall insight gleaned, or the stored historical points. Picking the right synonym helps you keep your language fresh while highlighting precisely which aspect of data—quantitative detail, breadth of knowledge, or stored records—you want to stress.
Writing
When writing about this term, clarify the nature and relevance of the data in your discussion. In research papers or reports, outline how data was collected, validated, and interpreted—e.g., “The data were gathered from 500 survey respondents.” In a white paper or technical document, you might delve into data processing methods, highlighting reliability (“we cleaned and standardized the dataset”) and analytical outcomes (“the data suggest a 20% increase in user retention”). Keeping a consistent approach—whether treating “data” as singular or plural—maintains stylistic clarity. Where possible, specify if it’s raw, aggregated, qualitative, quantitative, or big data, so readers see not only its content but also the scale and complexity. Also consider how you present it—graphs, tables, or textual summaries—since clarity in data visualization or explanation strengthens your argument or narrative. If your text or project involves sensitive data, mention the ethical and privacy considerations. By positioning your data within the broader purpose (a hypothesis, a business strategy, an educational study), you ensure readers grasp its significance beyond raw numbers or isolated facts, turning “data” into a central pillar of evidence and insights that guide rational conclusions or strategic moves.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “data” may pop up when discussing everything from personal apps to streaming services. People might say, “My phone’s running out of data,” referring to mobile internet usage, or “My fitness tracker collects data on my steps and sleep.” If a friend asks about your project at work, you might reply, “We’re analyzing the sales data to see which products perform best.” Even at home, you might mention data in the context of organizing or backing up files on a computer—“I need to clear space before transferring new data.” While still somewhat technical, the term is common enough that most people understand you’re referencing recorded or tracked details, be they counts, logs, or short insights. If you’re explaining how you used data to reach a conclusion—like picking the cheapest online vendor or best phone plan—focus on the everyday approach: “I checked the data on price reviews and user feedback, then made a decision.” This informal usage conveys that evidence-based reasoning is a part of daily life, guiding everything from budgeting to personal health decisions. If you find “data” too formal for casual chats, synonyms like “stats,” “info,” or “records” might feel more relaxed, though “data” often remains the simplest label for this tech-savvy era.
Etymology
The term “data” comes from the Latin word “datum,” which is the neuter past participle of “dare,” meaning “to give.” Historically, “datum” pointed to “something given,” typically a fact or proposition used as a premise for reasoning or calculation. Over time, it transformed into the plural form “data,” referring to multiple points of information or pieces of evidence. In classical usage, “data” was strictly plural—“The data are consistent”—while “datum” referred to a single fact or measurement. However, in modern English, especially in everyday and business contexts, “data” often appears as a singular, uncountable noun—“The data is important for decision-making.” This dual usage underscores a gradual linguistic shift toward treating it as a mass term rather than discrete items. Nonetheless, its fundamental meaning remains consistent: a set of factual elements or recorded observations that can be analyzed, computed, or interpreted to glean knowledge. Spanning ages and technologies—be it tabulated census records in ancient times or real-time digital logs today—“data” stands at the heart of informed understanding.