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 musical metaphor is particularly apt because gravitational waves oscillate much like sound waves, allowing researchers to analyze them with many of the same mathematical tools. — Sam MacDonald, Scientific American, 26 June 2026

Set in Chicago, Proof centers on Catherine (Edebiri), a mathematical genius who struggles with mental illness, just as her father, Robert (Cheadle), also a brilliant mathematician, did before his death. — Meagan Jordan, Rolling Stone, 26 June 2026

The preference for calculus functions is less a genuine signal of academic preparedness than a gatekeeping proxy—one that disadvantages students who might be better served by other rigorous mathematical pathways. — Scott White, Forbes.com, 26 June 2026

What links certain mathematical models of traffic flow, shallow-water waves, and quantum particle scattering? — Quanta Magazine, 25 June 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
• catechol
• statical
• dogmatical
• fanatical
• grammatical
• sabbatical

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