average

Definition

  • noun: a number that is calculated by adding quantities together and then dividing the total by the number of quantities
  • noun: a single value (as a mean, mode, or median) that summarizes or represents the general significance of a set of unequal values
  • verb: to have (a specified number) as an average
  • verb: to be or come to an average
  • adjective: equaling an arithmetic mean
  • usually used with 'down' or 'up'
  • synonyms: medial, ordinary, usual

Examples

  • a movie director with a high 'batting average' [=a director who has created many successful movies and few unsuccessful movies]

  • The children in that class 'average' four feet in height. [=the average height of the children is 4 feet]

  • Her daily commute 'averages' 40 minutes. [=the average length of her daily commute is 40 minutes]

Movie clips

Movie quotes

  • (..) Skeets, come on. Give me that, you shithead. Floyd, come on. Will you throw that away, please? Well, shit. The kid passed. C + average. Thought you'd like to know. Warden wants to talk. Out here? That's what the man said. Warden? (..)
    1994 The Shawshank Redemption