av·er·age (ăv'ər-ĭj, ăv'rĭj)
n.

1. Mathematics.
   1. A number that typifies a set of numbers of which it is a function.
   2. See arithmetic mean.
2. 1. An intermediate level or degree: near the average in size.
   2. The usual or ordinary kind or quality: Although the wines vary, the average is quite good.
3. Sports. The ratio of a team's or player's successful performances such as wins, hits, or goals, divided by total opportunities for successful performance, such as games, times at bat, or shots: finished the season with a .500 average; a batting average of .274.
4. Law.
   1. The loss of a ship or cargo, caused by damage at sea.
   2. The incurrence of damage or loss of a ship or cargo at sea.
   3. The equitable distribution of such a loss among concerned parties.
   4. A charge incurred through such a loss.
5. Nautical. Small expenses or charges that are usually paid by the master of a ship.

adj.

1. Mathematics. Of, relating to, or constituting an average.
2. Being intermediate between extremes, as on a scale: a player of average ability.
3. Usual or ordinary in kind or character: a poll of average people; average eyesight.
4. Assessed in accordance with the law of averages.

v., -aged, -ag·ing, -ag·es.

v.tr.

1. Mathematics. To calculate the average of: average a set of numbers.
2. To do or have an average of: averaged three hours of work a day.
3. To distribute proportionately: average one's income over four years so as to minimize the tax rate.

v.intr.
To be or amount to an average: Some sparrows are six inches long, but they average smaller. Our expenses averaged out to 45 dollars per day.

phrasal verbs:

average down

1. To purchase shares of the same security at successively lower prices in order to reduce the average price of one's position.

average up

1. To purchase shares of the same security at successively higher prices in order to achieve a larger position at an average price that is lower than the current market value.

[From Middle English averay, charge above the cost of freight, from Old French avarie, from Old Italian avaria, duty, from Arabic 'awārīya, damaged goods, from 'awār, blemish, from 'awira, to be damaged.]

averagely av'er·age·ly adv.
averageness av'er·age·ness n.

SYNONYMS   average, medium, mediocre, fair, middling, indifferent, tolerable. These adjectives indicate a middle position on a scale of evaluation. Average and medium apply to what is midway between extremes and imply both sufficiency and lack of distinction: a novel of average merit; an orange of medium size. Mediocre stresses the undistinguished aspect of what is average: "The caliber of the students . . . has gone from mediocre to above average" (Judy Pasternak). What is fair is passable but substantially below excellent: in fair health. Middling refers to a ranking between average and mediocre: gave a middling performance. Indifferent suggests neutrality: "His home, alas, was but an indifferent attic" (Edward Everett Hale). Something tolerable is merely acceptable: prepared a tolerable meal.

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The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition Copyright © 2007, 2000 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Updated in 2009. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

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