Quartile Meaning
/ˈkwɔː(ɹ)taɪl/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounAny of the three points that divide an ordered distribution into four parts, each containing a quarter of the population.
nounAny one of the four groups so divided.
Sentence Examples
His test scores were in the top quartile of the entire class.
The data was divided into four quartiles for easier analysis.
His test score fell into the top quartile of his class.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scores were split into four equal parts, so the best students are in the top ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The student's score placed her in the top ____ of the national cohort for mathematics.
Word Origin & History
From Middle French quartil, from Medieval Latin quartilus. By surface analysis, quart + -ile.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The Department for Transport's National Travel Survey shows that workers in the lowest income quartile are twice as likely to use public transport."
— 2021 July 28, Paul Clifton, “Network News: Confusion and dissent over face mask requirements: Reaction to the Guidance: British Safety Council”, in RAIL, number 936, page 6:
"In June 2021, the top-income quartile of Chase customers had a median cash buffer of 43 days, while the lowest-income quartile had a median cash buffer of 22 days."
— 2023 July 18, Elisabeth Buchwald, “Americans aren’t rebuilding their savings fast enough”, in CNN Business, archived from the original on 17 Aug 2023:
"Total activity levels in the lowest quartile were equivalent to walking for 49 minutes at roughly 3 miles (4.8 kilometers) per hour daily. Total activity levels in the second-, third- and fourth-highest quartiles were equivalent to 78, 105 and 160 minutes, respectively."
— 2024 November 15, Kristen Rogers, “Want to live an extra 5 to 10 years? Adopt this habit, study suggests”, in CNN, archived from the original on 11 Jul 2025:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The scores were split into four equal parts, so the best students are in the top ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The student's score placed her in the top ____ of the national cohort for mathematics.