mathematical

adjective

math·​e·​mat·​i·​cal ˌmath-ˈma-ti-kəl 

ˌma-thə-

variants or less commonly mathematic

ˌmath-ˈma-tik 

ˌma-thə-

1

: of, relating to, or according with mathematics

2

a

: rigorously exact : precise

b

: certain

3

: possible but highly improbable

only a mathematical chance

mathematically

ˌmath-ˈma-ti-k(ə-)lē 

ˌma-thə-

adverb

Synonyms of mathematical

• accurate
• precise
• rigorous

Examples of mathematical in a Sentence

They recorded the changes with mathematical precision.

The team has only a mathematical chance of making the play-offs.

Recent Examples on the Web

The mathematical genius is eager to celebrate his youngest daughter with a bottle of champagne and some math banter. —Aramide Tinubu, Variety, 17 Apr. 2026

To explain Catherine’s initial reluctance to share her dad’s mathematical masterpiece with Hal (and the rest of academia) would be to spoil far too much of Proof‘s first-act leap and second act plot. —Greg Evans, Deadline, 16 Apr. 2026

Currently, formalizing mathematical proofs in this way is a time-consuming, intricate process that itself takes substantial mathematical knowledge and is a bit of a craft. —Konstantin Kakaes, Quanta Magazine, 13 Apr. 2026

Paulino’s team used mathematical models from origami design to program these motions. —Aamir Khollam, Interesting Engineering, 9 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English mathematicalle, from Latin mathematicus, from Greek mathēmatikos, from mathēmat-, mathēma learning, mathematics, from manthanein to learn; probably akin to Goth mundon to pay attention

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing mathematical

• mathematical expectation
• mathematical induction
• mathematical logic

Rhymes for mathematical

• emblematical
• enigmatical
• kinematical
• problematical
• ungrammatical
• dogmatical
• fanatical
• grammatical
• sabbatical
• statical

Kids Definition

mathematical

adjective

math·​e·​mat·​i·​cal ˌmath-ə-ˈmat-i-kəl 

math-ˈmat-

1

: of, relating to, or according with mathematics

2

: very exact

mathematical precision

mathematically

-i-k(ə-)lē 

adverb