average and mean share a recorded sense, so the question is not what they mean but which one fits. average means “approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value”. mean means “approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value”. mean is the more common of the two in everyday English.
/ˈævɚɪdʒ/
1.adj.approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
“the average income in New England is below that of the nation”
2.adj.lacking special distinction, rank, or status; commonly encountered
“average people”
3.adj.lacking exceptional quality or ability
“a novel of average merit”
/ˈmin/
1.adj.approximating the statistical norm or average or expected value
“the average income in New England is below that of the nation”
2.adj.characterized by malice
“a hateful thing to do”
3.adj.having or showing an ignoble lack of honor or morality
“that liberal obedience without which your army would be a base rabble”
| average | mean | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | /ˈævɚɪdʒ/ | /ˈmin/ |
| Said | AV-ur-ij | meen |
| Syllables | 3 | 1 |
| Letters | 7 | 4 |
| Parts of speech | adjective, noun, verb | adjective, verb, noun |
| Senses | 12 | 16 |
| How common | Common | Core |
| Synonyms | mean | average |
Full entry for average · Full entry for mean · More comparisons