“Data” vs. “Datum”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “data” and “datum”

  • The main difference between data and datum is that data refers to multiple sets of information, while datum refers to a single piece of information.
  • Data is plural and encompasses a wide range of information, while datum is singular and typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
  • Data is a more commonly used term in everyday language, while datum is more niche and specific.
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What is the definition of “data” and “datum”?

Data
  • Data refers to a collection of facts, figures, or statistics that have been gathered and analyzed.
  • It can come in various forms and can be used for various purposes, such as research, analysis, and decision-making.
  • Data is plural, meaning it refers to multiple sets of information.
Datum
  • Datum is the singular form of data and refers to a single piece of information.
  • It is commonly used in technical or scientific fields and can include measurements, coordinates, or values.
  • Datum is a Latin word that means "something given."

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Data” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Data
9,280,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The company collected data on customer satisfaction through surveys.
  2. Researchers analyzed the data from multiple studies to draw conclusions.
  3. The data showed a significant increase in sales over the past year.
Datum
254,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. This single datum suggests there may be a problem with the experiment.
  2. We need more than one datum to draw any meaningful conclusions.
  3. The datum was recorded incorrectly and had to be revised.
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