What does "data" mean?
plural of datum
Data
/ˈdɑː.tə/ name, noun
name, noun ·Very common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: plural of datum
- Grammar: data is listed as name, noun.
- Nearest alternatives: a priori principle, account, acquaintance, actual evidence.
- Useful contrasts: gothic wato narrative, personal anecdote, the more data.
- Usage evidence: The data suggest that the optimum length of a lecture may be 30 instead of 60 minutes.
How to use "data"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "data" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "data" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "data" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "data" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "data" is acting as name, noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "a priori principle" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "data", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 plural of datum form-of, plural
"Holonym: data set"
- 2 A representation of information in a computer (as symbols, quantities, sound, images or videos) which is stored, processed or transmitted in the form of electrical signals, records on magnetic tape or punched cards, etc. collective, uncountable
"Data can be sent through email."
- 3 a collection of facts from which conclusions may be drawn wordnet
- 4 Material recorded and known or assumed as facts and used as a basis for reasoning, discussion, or calculation, represented especially in the form of numbers, and is usually structured (such as statistics). collective, uncountable
"Near-synonyms: dataset, data set, data points"
- 5 Ellipsis of mobile data (“digital information transmitted using the cellular telephone network rather than Wi-Fi”). abbreviation, alt-of, ellipsis, uncountable
"run out of data"
Proper Noun
- 1 A barangay of Sabangan, Mountain Province, Philippines.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The data suggest that the optimum length of a lecture may be 30 instead of 60 minutes."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "data"?
Common synonyms include: a priori principle, account, acquaintance, actual evidence, adjective of evidence, affirmation.
How do you use "data" in a sentence?
The data suggest that the optimum length of a lecture may be 30 instead of 60 minutes.
How do you pronounce "data"?
Pronounced /ˈdɑː.tə/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
Borrowed from Latin data, nominative plural of datum (“that is given”), neuter past participle of dō (“I give”). Doublet of date.
Etymology 2
Borrowed from Kankanaey Data. See that for more details.