OUTLIER Definition & Meaning

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outlier

[ out-lahy-er ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

something that lies outside the main body or group that it is a part of, such as a cow far from the rest of the herd, or a distant island belonging to a cluster of islands:
The small factory was an outlier, and unproductive, so the corporation sold it off to private owners who were able to make it profitable.
someone who stands apart from other members of a group, such as by differing behavior, beliefs, or religious practices:
There are a few scientists who are outliers in their views on climate change.
Synonyms: , , , , , , , , ,
Statistics.
1. an observation that is well outside of the expected range of values in a study or experiment, and which is often discarded from the data set:
  Experience with a variety of data-reduction problems has led to several strategies for dealing with outliers in data sets.
2. a person whose abilities, achievements, etc., lie outside the range of statistical probability.
Geology. a part of a formation left detached through the removal of surrounding parts by erosion. Compare inlier.
Obsolete. a person residing outside the place of their business, duty, etc.

outlier

/ ˈ��ʊ��ˌ��ɪə /

noun

an outcrop of rocks that is entirely surrounded by older rocks
a person, thing, or part situated away from a main or related body
a person who lives away from his place of work, duty, etc
statistics a point in a sample widely separated from the main cluster of points in the sample See scatter diagram

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of outlier¹

First recorded in 1600–10; out- + lier

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

There is an argument that if you take the long view then perhaps the free market period is the outlier.

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Another outlier event: the Eaton fire, which, like the Tubbs fire, was driven by relentless, powerful winds that drove the blaze deep into a populated area.

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"This is not acceptable and makes us an outlier internationally in being without basic performance data."

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There were further falls in major European markets in February – although the UK was an outlier, with sales rising 21% – as well as in Australia.

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Nearly a decade ago, I was tipped off that an outlier had interviewed for the vacant Dodger managerial job.

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