Mode (statistics)
Etymology
From Latin “modus” (measure, manner). The statistical sense was introduced by Karl Pearson in 1895, giving the third of the classic measures of central tendency alongside mean and median.
noun · /MOHD/
The most frequently occurring value in a set of data.
What it names
It answers “what is most common?” — a different question from “what is typical on average?”
Example
If most shoppers buy the size-medium shirt, medium is the mode — the fact a clothier cares about even if the mean size sits between medium and large.
Related idea
The mode, mean, and median are three different answers to “what is the center?”, and they coincide only in a symmetric distribution — in a skewed one they can all differ.
noun · /MOHD/
A particular way in which something is done or occurs; a selectable operating setting on a device.
What it names
a manner of operation or a functional setting
Example
Switch the phone to airplane mode; their preferred mode of travel is rail.
Related idea
Distinct from the statistical mode — here it is a way or manner, from the Latin for measure. Compare systemic, which concerns the whole rather than the manner.
See also