nonrepresentative 🔊
Meaning of nonrepresentative
Not typical or characteristic of a particular group or category; not serving as a representative example.
Key Difference
While 'nonrepresentative' emphasizes deviation from typicality, its synonyms may focus on different aspects like inaccuracy, bias, or lack of fairness.
Example of nonrepresentative
- The survey results were deemed nonrepresentative because they only included responses from urban areas.
- Her experience was nonrepresentative of the challenges faced by most students in the program.
Synonyms
atypical 🔊
Meaning of atypical
Not representative of a type, group, or class.
Key Difference
'Atypical' simply means not typical, while 'nonrepresentative' implies a failure to accurately reflect a larger group.
Example of atypical
- His reaction was atypical for someone in that situation.
- The weather this winter has been atypical for the region.
unrepresentative 🔊
Meaning of unrepresentative
Not representative of a larger group or category.
Key Difference
'Unrepresentative' is very close in meaning to 'nonrepresentative,' but 'nonrepresentative' may carry a stronger connotation of deliberate exclusion or bias.
Example of unrepresentative
- The sample size was too small and unrepresentative of the population.
- The film's portrayal of the event was unrepresentative of what actually happened.
biased 🔊
Meaning of biased
Unfairly prejudiced for or against someone or something.
Key Difference
'Biased' implies a deliberate slant, whereas 'nonrepresentative' may occur unintentionally.
Example of biased
- The article was criticized for being biased in favor of one political party.
- The judge's decision seemed biased due to his personal connections.
skewed 🔊
Meaning of skewed
Distorted or biased in a particular direction.
Key Difference
'Skewed' often implies a statistical or data-driven distortion, while 'nonrepresentative' is broader in application.
Example of skewed
- The data was skewed by outliers, making the analysis unreliable.
- His perspective on the issue was skewed by his limited experience.
anomalous 🔊
Meaning of anomalous
Deviating from what is standard, normal, or expected.
Key Difference
'Anomalous' suggests rarity or oddity, while 'nonrepresentative' focuses on lack of typicality.
Example of anomalous
- The scientist discovered an anomalous result that challenged previous theories.
- His behavior was anomalous compared to his usual calm demeanor.
irregular 🔊
Meaning of irregular
Not conforming to a standard or pattern.
Key Difference
'Irregular' often refers to inconsistency, while 'nonrepresentative' refers to lack of representativeness.
Example of irregular
- The team's irregular performance made it hard to predict their success.
- Her attendance at work had been irregular over the past month.
exceptional 🔊
Meaning of exceptional
Unusual; not typical.
Key Difference
'Exceptional' can imply superiority or rarity, while 'nonrepresentative' is neutral or negative.
Example of exceptional
- Her talent was exceptional, far beyond that of her peers.
- The event was exceptional in the history of the organization.
aberrant 🔊
Meaning of aberrant
Departing from an accepted standard or norm.
Key Difference
'Aberrant' often carries a negative connotation of deviance, while 'nonrepresentative' is more neutral.
Example of aberrant
- The aberrant behavior of the machine indicated a serious malfunction.
- His views were considered aberrant by mainstream society.
peculiar 🔊
Meaning of peculiar
Strange or odd; unusual.
Key Difference
'Peculiar' emphasizes oddity, while 'nonrepresentative' emphasizes lack of typicality.
Example of peculiar
- The peculiar smell in the room made everyone uncomfortable.
- His peculiar habits made him stand out in the crowd.
Conclusion
- 'Nonrepresentative' is best used when describing something that fails to accurately reflect a larger group or category, often due to bias or exclusion.
- 'Atypical' can be used when something simply doesn't fit the usual pattern, without implying a larger representational issue.
- 'Unrepresentative' is nearly interchangeable with 'nonrepresentative,' but may sound slightly less formal.
- 'Biased' should be used when there's a clear, often intentional, slant or prejudice involved.
- 'Skewed' works well in statistical or data contexts where results are distorted.
- 'Anomalous' is ideal for rare or scientifically unusual cases.
- 'Irregular' fits when describing inconsistency rather than lack of representativeness.
- 'Exceptional' is best for cases where something stands out due to superiority or rarity.
- 'Aberrant' is strong for negative deviations from norms.
- 'Peculiar' is great for describing odd or quirky characteristics.