mathematics
4 synonyms for mathematics, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and their relationships.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
numeracy
maths
Etymology
From Greek mathēmatikós, "on the matter of that which is learned," from máthēma, "knowledge, learning."
Full origin of mathematics →Frequently asked questions
What does “mathematics” mean?
The word “mathematics” means the study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and their relationships. In plain terms, the formal subject and system of studying numbers, shapes, and patterns.
How do you pronounce “mathematics”?
“Mathematics” is pronounced math-MAT-ihks (/mæθ(.ə)ˈmæt.ɪks/ in IPA).
How do you use “mathematics” in a sentence?
Here is “mathematics” used in a sentence: “She has a degree in mathematics from Cambridge.”
What is another word for “mathematics”?
Words with a similar meaning to “mathematics” include maths and math.
What part of speech is “mathematics”?
“Mathematics” is a noun.
Where does the word “mathematics” come from?
The word “mathematics” comes from Greek. From Greek mathēmatikós, "on the matter of that which is learned," from máthēma, "knowledge, learning.".
Is “mathematics” a common word?
“Mathematics” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between mathematics and arithmetic?
Arithmetic is the branch of mathematics dealing with basic operations on numbers, such as addition and multiplication, while mathematics is the much wider study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and their relationships. Arithmetic is just one part of mathematics.
Is "mathematics" singular or plural?
Although it ends in "s," "mathematics" is treated as singular and takes a singular verb, as in "mathematics is my favourite subject." The final "s" reflects the word's form, not a plural meaning.
What is the difference between "math" and "maths"?
Both are informal short forms of "mathematics" with exactly the same meaning. "Math" is standard in American English, while "maths" is used in British and Commonwealth English.
