Regression
rɪˈɡrɛʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe act of going back; a return to a former or less developed state.
rɪˈɡrɛʃən
A return to a previous state or a less developed form.
The company saw a regression in profits this quarter.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're learning to ride a bike, and you're doing great. Then you fall and suddenly feel like you can't ride at all – that's a little regression. It's like taking a step backward instead of forward.
👶 For kids: Going back to how something was before. Like when you were a baby again.
More Examples
Following the traumatic event, she experienced regression to bedwetting.
The scientific study focused on the regression of the disease.
How It's Used
"The patient exhibited regression to childhood behaviors during times of stress."
"Economic regression often follows periods of rapid growth."
"Regression analysis helps identify the relationship between variables."
A statistical method used to determine the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables.
rɪˈɡrɛʃən
A statistical analysis.
Multiple regression can account for many different variables.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're trying to figure out if studying helps you get better grades. Regression in this case helps you find a pattern to the relationship between how much you study and what grade you get!
👶 For kids: When we use math to figure out how things are connected together.
More Examples
Linear regression is a common technique used in data analysis.
Regression is often used in forecasting and predictive modeling.
How It's Used
"The researcher used regression to analyze the correlation between income and education levels."
"Regression models are essential for predicting future outcomes based on historical data."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Latin regressio (“a going back, return”), from regredior (“I go back”), from re- (“back”) + gradior (“I go, step”).
The term 'regression' in statistics was initially coined by Sir Francis Galton in the late 19th century to describe a biological phenomenon where offspring of unusually tall parents tended to be shorter than their parents, and the offspring of unusually short parents were taller than them. The word soon evolved to apply more broadly.
Memory tip
Think of a *re*-turn to a *gress* (step) backwards.
Word Origin
"to go back"