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

• accurate
• close
• delicate
• exact
• fine
• hairline
• pinpoint
• precise
• refined
• rigorous
• spot-on

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

Math Expressions let creators place complex mathematical notations directly into layouts. —Mark Sparrow, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Many chains are celebrating the mathematical holiday with specials. —Carolyn Burt, Oc Register, 22 Apr. 2025

The outcome of the game depends on the answer to a mathematical puzzle that is almost 180 years old: Are there an infinite number of prime number twins? —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 22 Apr. 2025

In the last few years, physicists have been revisiting the chaos around singularities with new mathematical tools. —Lyndie Chiou, Wired News, 20 Apr. 2025

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