demographic
deh-muh-GRAFF-ik
/ˌdem.əˈɡræf.ɪk/
Relating to the structure of populations, or a particular sector of a population.
Refers to quantifiable characteristics such as age, income, education, or gender within a group.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1855 by Achille Guillard in his book 'Elements of Human Statistics', combining the Greek root for the common people ('demos') with the root for writing or mapping ('graphein'). It gained widespread modern traction during mid-20th-century census studies.
Word relationships
- population-based: More descriptive and plain, whereas demographic carries statistical weight.
- individual: Focuses on a single person rather than a aggregate statistical grouping.
Commonly confused with
- geographic: Geographic pertains to physical location, while demographic pertains to human statistical traits.
Word family
- demography (noun): The study of statistics such as births, deaths, income, or disease.
- demographer (noun): An expert in demography.
Collocations
- demographic transition
- demographic shift
- key demographic
- demographic profile
Example sentences
- "The study analyzed demographic changes across Western Europe over the last half-century." Academic discussion of population trends
- "Advertisers targeted the young professional demographic with online campaigns." Market research
Memory hook
Think of 'demos' like democracy (rule by people) plus 'graphic' (drawing a picture of the people). Mapping the masses.
When not to use
Do not use to describe individual personality traits or subjective preferences.
Fun facts
- The term was rarely used in commercial advertising until the late 1960s TV broadcasting boom.
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