margin of error
[MAR-jin əv AIR-ər]
nounpl: margins of error
margem de erro
1. The range of variation that is allowed for in a measurement or calculation, typically expressed as a plus or minus value
The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percent.
A pesquisa tem uma margem de erro de mais ou menos 3 por cento.
2. In statistics, the amount of random sampling error in survey results
With a 95 percent confidence level, the margin of error was calculated at 2.5 percent.
Com um nível de confiança de 95 por cento, a margem de erro foi calculada em 2,5 por cento.
3. Figuratively, an allowance for possible mistake or deviation from a standard
We need to leave a margin of error in our budget for unexpected expenses.
Precisamos deixar uma margem de erro no nosso orçamento para despesas inesperadas.
This term is widely used in both American and Brazilian contexts, particularly in polling, surveys, and scientific research. In Brazil, media outlets frequently cite 'margem de erro' when reporting election polls and public opinion surveys. The concept reflects a statistical understanding that is increasingly important in data-driven decision-making across business, government, and academia in both countries.
Related Idioms & Phrases
within the margin of error
account for the margin of error
reduce the margin of error
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