Some Linguistic Aspects of the Term “Statistics”

Some Linguistic Aspects of the Term “Statistics”: History

Please note this is an old version of this entry, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Contributor:

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.

This entry is adapted from the peer-reviewed paper 10.3390/encyclopedia4030084

References

Pawitan, Y.; Lee, H.; Lee, Y. The philosophy of statistics. Significance 2024, 21, 41–42.
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).
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).
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.
Ferguson, W. Microscopium Statisticum and the etymology of statistics. Significance 2022, 19, 6–7.

© 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.