Submitted Successfully!
To reward your contribution, here is a gift for you: A free trial for our video production service.
Thank you for your contribution! You can also upload a video entry or images related to this topic.
Version Summary Created by Modification Content Size Created at Operation
1
Spyros Missiakoulis
 -- 347 2024-08-27 08:32:20 |
2 layout
Camila Xu
 Meta information modification 347 2024-08-27 08:33:09 |

Video Upload Options

We provide professional Video Production Services to translate complex research into visually appealing presentations. Would you like to try it?
No, upload directly Yes

Confirm

Are you sure to Delete?
Yes No
Cite
If you have any further questions, please contact Encyclopedia Editorial Office.
Missiakoulis, S. Some Linguistic Aspects of the Term “Statistics”. Encyclopedia. Available online: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/56851 (accessed on 22 December 2024).
Missiakoulis S. Some Linguistic Aspects of the Term “Statistics”. Encyclopedia. Available at: https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/56851. Accessed December 22, 2024.
Missiakoulis, Spyros. "Some Linguistic Aspects of the Term “Statistics”" Encyclopedia, https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/56851 (accessed December 22, 2024).
Missiakoulis, S. (2024, August 27). Some Linguistic Aspects of the Term “Statistics”. In Encyclopedia. https://encyclopedia.pub/entry/56851
Missiakoulis, Spyros. "Some Linguistic Aspects of the Term “Statistics”." Encyclopedia. Web. 27 August, 2024.
Peer Reviewed
Some Linguistic Aspects of the Term “Statistics”
This is a peer-reviewed entry published in Encyclopedia Journal, full entry can be found at 10.3390/encyclopedia4030084

The origin of the word “Statistics” is mistakenly sought in the Latin word “Status”. Although the term is indeed etymologically linked to “Status”, it is derived from the Greek noun “Στατός” (statos), meaning standing.

history of statistics origin of statistics etymology of statistics Achenwal
Pawitan and Lee start their recent article on “The philosophy of statistics” with the phrase, «Deep down, we are all interested in truth» [1] (p. 41). Reading this sentence, I wondered what we know about the history of the word “Statistics”? What does it mean? What is its etymological origin?
A word cannot be isolated from its historical background. The need for a new word is scientifically determined, and its history is, partly, a matter of etymology. Through the science of Etymology, the study of the origin of words and how their meanings have evolved, we understand the history, i.e., the origin and evolution of each scientific term. The same happens with the term “Statistics”.
The etymology of statistical terms provides us with valuable insights into the history and development of statistical concepts, highlighting their origins, evolution, and connections to other fields. This understanding enriches our appreciation of Statistics as a discipline and enhances our ability to apply various statistical methods accurately and efficiently.
Referring to historical sources, we can trace the development of the fundamental concept of the term “Statistics”. In all sources, from the most prestigious dictionary of the English language, the Oxford English Dictionary [2], to the most popular ones like Wikipedia [3], and from the oldest [4] to the most recent [5], we will read that the word “Statistics” comes from the new Latin word “statisticum collegium” (“council of state”) and the Italian word “statista” (“politician” or “states-man”), reflecting its origins in state governance and population data collection.
The question that arises is, since “Statistics” is a process of counting, presenting, and analyzing data, why was it connected to the “state” of “state governance” and not to “governance”? “State” is a very general concept, while “governance” is an administrative process. “State” needs “governance” to function. “Governance” is what needs Statistics to govern the “state” effectively.

References

  1. Pawitan, Y.; Lee, H.; Lee, Y. The philosophy of statistics. Significance 2024, 21, 41–42.
  2. Oxford University Press. Statistics. In Oxford English Dictionary. Available online: https://www.oed.com/dictionary/statistics_n?tab=factsheet#20920022 (accessed on 17 May 2024).
  3. Wikipedia. History of Statistics. In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Available online: https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=History_of_statistics&oldid=1209294683 (accessed on 17 May 2024).
  4. Guy, W.A. On the original and acquired meaning of the term “Statistics”, and on the proper functions of a Statistical Society: Also on the question Whether there be a science of statistics; and if so, What are its nature and “Social Science”. J. Stat. Soc. Lond. 1865, 28, 478–493.
  5. Ferguson, W. Microscopium Statisticum and the etymology of statistics. Significance 2022, 19, 6–7.
More
© Text is available under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license; additional terms may apply. By using this site, you agree to the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.
Upload a video for this entry
Information
Subjects: Linguistics
Contributor MDPI registered users' name will be linked to their SciProfiles pages. To register with us, please refer to https://encyclopedia.pub/register :
Spyros Missiakoulis
View Times: 103
Online Date: 27 Aug 2024
Table of Contents
    1000/1000
    Hot Most Recent
    Video Production Service
    Feedback