The law of averages
noun
The principle that states over a long period of time, things tend to happen with a frequency that is approximately equal to their probability.
John plays the lotto every week. He believes by the law of averages, he will eventually win.
Often appears as...
- apply the law of averages
- by the law of averages
noun
The belief that outcomes of a random event will even out within a small sample.
Despite having rare chances, people think that the law of averages will eventually favor them in gambling.
Often appears as...
- misinterpretation of the law of averages
- gambler's law of averages
Usage tips
Academic
noun
The principle that states over a long period of time, things tend to happen with a frequency that is approximately equal to their probability.
John plays the lotto every week. He believes by the law of averages, he will eventually win.
Often appears as...
- apply the law of averages
- by the law of averages
noun
The belief that outcomes of a random event will even out within a small sample.
Despite having rare chances, people think that the law of averages will eventually favor them in gambling.
Often appears as...
- misinterpretation of the law of averages
- gambler's law of averages
Usage tips
Academic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Long-term Concept
Understand it's about long-term patterns, not short-term expectations.
He assumed by the law of averages, good weather would return next month.
Pro Tip 2/3Misinterpreted Certainty
Remember it's a statistical concept, not a guarantee of certain outcomes.
She believed the law of averages ensured she'd win, but luck isn't certain.
Pro Tip 3/3Frequent Misuse
Recognize that people often use the phrase incorrectly to justify expectations.
By the law of averages, my team is due a win might not be a sound argument.
Pro Tip 1/3Long-term Concept
Understand it's about long-term patterns, not short-term expectations.
He assumed by the law of averages, good weather would return next month.
Pro Tip 2/3Misinterpreted Certainty
Remember it's a statistical concept, not a guarantee of certain outcomes.
She believed the law of averages ensured she'd win, but luck isn't certain.
Pro Tip 3/3Frequent Misuse
Recognize that people often use the phrase incorrectly to justify expectations.
By the law of averages, my team is due a win might not be a sound argument.
Pro Tip 1/3Long-term Concept
Understand it's about long-term patterns, not short-term expectations.
He assumed by the law of averages, good weather would return next month.
Pro Tip 2/3Misinterpreted Certainty
Remember it's a statistical concept, not a guarantee of certain outcomes.
She believed the law of averages ensured she'd win, but luck isn't certain.
Pro Tip 3/3Frequent Misuse
Recognize that people often use the phrase incorrectly to justify expectations.
By the law of averages, my team is due a win might not be a sound argument.
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