mathematical
math-MAT-ih-kuhl
Mathematical (adj) means relating to mathematics or its methods. Example: “He struggled with the mathematical puzzles in the final section of the exam.”
adj
1
Relating to mathematics or its methods.
"He struggled with the mathematical puzzles in the final section of the exam."
"The engineers checked the design with a mathematical formula before building it."
"It has been at least an academic tradition, if no more, that mathematical studies militate against amatory inclinations."
— Harry E. Wedeck, Dictionary of Aphrodisiacs (1961)
"The bridge was designed using complex mathematical models."
"Look closely at the pretty seashell print on these blouses. They’re actually formulated from mathematical equations!"
— AJ Willingham, What a great week for rescue pets! (2020)
2
Extremely exact or precise, as if calculated with mathematical accuracy.
"The chef sliced every carrot with mathematical exactness, so all the pieces matched."
"His mathematical approach to packing meant that every box fitted perfectly in the van."
"She timed her arrival with mathematical precision."
"Lucinda Childs got her start with the postmodern Judson Dance Theater and became known for precise, almost mathematical choreographic patterns."
— , Dance Listings for Dec. 2-8 (2016)
How to use mathematical
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo do with mathematics, or so exact it seems calculated.
Common pairings
mathematical model
mathematical precision
mathematical proof
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more mathematical
- Superlative
- most mathematical
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He struggled with the _____ puzzles in the final section of the exam.
Etymology
From Medieval Latin mathēmaticālis, ultimately from Greek mathēma, "learning, knowledge."
Synonyms
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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.
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