English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
adj B2 Upper-Intermediate Common

mathematical

math-MAT-ih-kuhl

Mathematical (adj) means relating to mathematics or its methods. Example: “The bridge was designed using complex mathematical models.”

adj
1
Relating to mathematics or its methods.
"The bridge was designed using complex mathematical models."
2
Extremely exact or precise, as if calculated with mathematical accuracy.
"She timed her arrival with mathematical precision."

How to Use Mathematical

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo do with mathematics, or so exact it seems calculated.

Common pairings
mathematical model mathematical precision mathematical proof

Word Forms

more mathematical comparative, most mathematical superlative

Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “mathematical” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage

Fill the Gap

Can you complete this real example?

The bridge was designed using complex _____ models.

Etymology

From Medieval Latin mathēmaticālis, ultimately from Greek mathēma, "learning, knowledge."

Origin: Medieval Latin

Related Words

Rhymes for mathematical

See all rhymes for mathematical →

Frequently Asked Questions

What does “mathematical” mean?

The word “mathematical” means relating to mathematics or its methods. In plain terms, to do with mathematics, or so exact it seems calculated.

How do you pronounce “mathematical”?

“Mathematical” is pronounced math-MAT-ih-kuhl (/ˌmæθ(.ə)ˈmæt.ɪ.kəl/ in IPA).

How do you use “mathematical” in a sentence?

Here is “mathematical” used in a sentence: “The bridge was designed using complex mathematical models.”

What part of speech is “mathematical”?

“Mathematical” is an adjective.

Where does the word “mathematical” come from?

The word “mathematical” comes from Medieval Latin. From Medieval Latin mathēmaticālis, ultimately from Greek mathēma, "learning, knowledge.".

Is “mathematical” a common word?

“Mathematical” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

How many meanings does “mathematical” have?

“Mathematical” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: relating to mathematics or its methods.

Is it mathematic or mathematical?

The standard adjective is mathematical: a mathematical formula, mathematical skills. Mathematic survives only as a rare variant, so mathematical is the safe choice in modern English.

What is the difference between mathematical and arithmetical?

Arithmetical relates specifically to arithmetic, the basic operations with numbers such as adding and multiplying. Mathematical is the broader term, covering the whole of mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and calculus.

What is a mathematical certainty?

A mathematical certainty is something regarded as absolutely certain, as though it could be proved by calculation. The phrase is often figurative: 'Relegation is now a mathematical certainty' means the numbers no longer allow any other outcome.

Featured In

People Also Searched

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial