Words / B2

nyoo-MER-ikl/njuːˈmerɪkl/

Numerical means to do with numbers rather than words: numerical data; a numerical majority. Numeric is a close twin; numerous means very many (already in the dictionary). Give numerical data, not only adjectives. Mix-up: numerous / number (already in the dictionary). Do not call a bar chart “numerical” if it has no scale.

Meaning

To do with numbers rather than words (numerical data; a numerical majority).

Examples

• “Give numerical data in the results table, not only “quite a lot”.”
• “A numerical majority in the chamber still needs a turnout figure, which is the count sense.”

Good to know

numerical data / value / majority; numerically. Trap: numerous (many). Maths, sciences, and politics. Made of numbers, not “lots of”.

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