averageness n
1. the state of being that is average; indicates normality but with connotations of mediocrity
2. ordinariness as a consequence of being average and not outstanding [syn: mediocrity]

See more meaning on Averageness...

In attractiveness studies, averageness is one of the characteristics of physical beauty in which the average phenotype, i.e. outward appearance, of the individual theoretically characterizes averaged genotypes, thus indicating health and fertility. The majority of averageness studies and theories have to do with photographic overlay studies, in which images are morphed together. Other factors involved in measuring attractiveness are symmetry, youthfulness and "like attracts like".

In 1883, Francis Galton, cousin of Charles Darwin, devised a technique called composite photography, described in detail in Inquiries in Human Faculty and its Development, which he believed could be used to identify 'types' by appearance, which he hoped would aid medical diagnosis, and even criminology through the identification of typical criminal faces. In short, he wondered if certain groups of people had certain facial characteristics. To find this answer, he created photographic composite images of the faces of vegetarians and criminals to see if there was a typical facial appearance for each. Galton overlaid multiple images of faces onto a single photographic plate so that each individual face contributed roughly equally to a final composite face. While the resultant “averaged” faces did little to allow the a priori identification of either criminals or vegetarians, Galton observed that the composite image was more attractive than the component faces. Similar observations were made in 1886 by Stoddard, who created composite faces of members of the National Academy of Sciences and graduating seniors of Smith College. This phenomenon is now known as "averageness-effect", that is highly physically attractive tend to be indicative of the average traits of the population.

• Not much is consistent about Tigers - detroitnews.com
  500. They came in with an 18-18 record, 9-9 at home and 9-9 on the road, perfectly abject averageness. "I don't think we're pressing," Fielder said. "That's just what people call it when you're not winning." Whatever it is, it's numbingly repetitive. Read more on this news related to 'Averageness'
• Alain de Botton: let's talk about sex - live Q&A - The Guardian
  what beauty is (youth/signs of fertility + symmetry + "averageness") - why height, a sense of humour, power, strength, and large breasts are attractive - why some women (and to a lesser extent men) love partners who treat them badly I find ... Read more on this news related to 'Averageness'
• JaVale McGee gets a second rookie season in Denver - thecheapseats.ca
  Like a rookie he shows flashes of brilliance, but just about any head coach would trade flashes of brilliance for sustainable averageness just about any day of the week. If you don’t know what a player is going to give you night in and night out then you ... Read more on this news related to 'Averageness'