data

Definitions

data is the Latin plural of datum, 'a thing given.' Data are the facts you are 'given' to reason from — the givens of a problem, before you draw conclusions. The whole word is built on the root's core meaning: something handed to you.

Why It Means This

Strictly, datum is singular and data plural, so traditional and scientific writing says 'the data are inconclusive.' But everyday and tech usage now overwhelmingly treats data as an uncountable mass noun, like 'water' or 'information': 'the data is stored in the cloud.' Both are accepted; choose by register.

Common Collocations

• 1.collect data收集数据
• 2.data analysis数据分析
• 3.personal data个人数据
• 4.raw data原始数据
• 5.big data大数据

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The company collects data on how users browse the site.

• 2.

  All the data is backed up automatically every night.

• 3.

  Researchers analyzed the data and found a clear pattern.