Question

Dear Sir or Madam,
Is there any significant difference between 'the mean temperature in July' and 'the average temperature in July?' To my mind, both examples convey the same meaning.

Yours faithfully,
Andre

Answer 1

I am in no way in the English department, but Mathematically, no. The arithmetic mean is the equivalent cultural definition of average; which is to say, the sum of all elements in a given set divided by the number of elements in the set.

Answer 2

Thanks ever so much for your response to my message.
Robert R. Sokal, a well-known American statistician, states that 'The most common statistic of location is familiar to everyone. It is the 'arithmetic mean', commonly called the 'mean' or 'average.' Hence, I thought that 'mean' might well convey the same meaning as 'average' in this context.

Answer 3

Like I said, english composition is not my forte; but I read the two interpretations as having the same meaning. And you're welcome. (That's right. I started a sentence with conjunction to drive home my amateur status.)

Answer 4

They convey the same meaning for the most part. Like all words, each has a certain connotation attached to it, so while they may imply the same thing, the choice to use one over the other may say something either about who you are as an author or about the audience you're attempting to appeal to.

Answer 5

same meaning

Answer 6

Well, yes they convey the same meaning for the most part. "Average", however, is an imprecise term, and can refer to the mean, median, or mode (different types of "averages"). In common usage it generally refers to the mean.

Answer 7

when i hear the word mean it feels more precise, using terms i would also hear in a math class. As far as conveying the same meaning i think they are similar enough.

Answer 8

both are same

Answer 9

It depends on the text you are writing if it's scientific it depends on wether your writing about mean, median or mode or more generally.

If it is being used poetically or in a narrative, one must always measure the importance of double-meanings and not underestimate them. Although you read "The mean temperature of July" Some readers may understand, The "mean" (and in "he is mean to me") temperature, which would mean the cruel hot temperature of July. In that case using the word "average" would best suit the mathematical definition of this word.

Answer 10

The word average - in mathematics, describes a group of different types of averages. There is a mean a median and a mode, each of which is determined by different criteria and can be different from one another. Generally speaking - or writing, one could use the words interchangeably, but if a mathematician gets their hands on your work they may give you some grief.

Answer 11

Mean and Average same are technically same.