average / mean / median / mode

Four ways to name a typical value.

Average is the everyday word and, in loose use, the mean. The mean is the sum divided by the count. The median is the middle value when the figures are lined up. If the count is even, it is the mean of the two middle values. The mode is the value that appears most often. If the exact method matters, name it. If it does not, average is enough.

Examples

Use The average wait was twelve minutes.

Use The median home price rose.

Avoid The average home price rose. (If the figure is the median.)