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

But regardless of whether the path to solving the full Navier-Stokes problem requires a clever new blowup or a whole new mathematical discipline, everyone is becoming more hesitant to bet against the machines. — Joseph Howlett, Scientific American, 21 Sep. 2026

For now, their findings establish that changing the rules of probability does not necessarily remove the mathematical conditions that prevent rational agents from agreeing to disagree. — Rupendra Brahambhatt, Interesting Engineering, 19 Sep. 2026

These themes change from time to time and have included the computations needed for the 1969 lunar landing and the role of play in scientific and mathematical discovery. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 Sep. 2026

Unfortunately, the statistic was based on a mathematical error and other rank malarkey; in fact, fast-food employment had risen during the period under study. — Business Columnist, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 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