arithmetic

American  

[uh-rith-muh-tik, ar-ith-met-ik] / əˈrɪθ mə tɪk, ˌær ɪθˈmɛt ɪk /

noun

arithmetics plural

1. the method or process of computation with figures: the most elementary branch of mathematics.

2. Also called theoretical arithmetic.  Also called higher arithmetic,.  the theory of numbers; the study of the divisibility of whole numbers, the remainders after division, etc.

3. a book on this subject.

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adjective

1. Also arithmetical. of or relating to arithmetic.

arithmetic British  

/ əˈrɪθmətɪk /

noun

1. the branch of mathematics concerned with numerical calculations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division

2. one or more calculations involving numerical operations

3. knowledge of or skill in using arithmetic

   his arithmetic is good

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adjective

1. of, relating to, or using arithmetic

arithmetic Scientific  

/ ə-rĭth′mĭ-tĭk /

1. The mathematics of integers, rational numbers, real numbers, or complex numbers under the operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division.

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• arithmetician
  noun
• nonarithmetic
  adjective
• nonarithmetical
  adjective
• unarithmetical
  adjective
• arithmetically
  adverb
• nonarithmetically
  adverb
• unarithmetically
  adverb

Inflected Forms

Nouns

• arithmetics
  plural

Etymology

Origin of arithmetic

1200–50; < Latin arithmētica, feminine singular of arithmēticus < Greek arithmētikḗ ( téchnē ) (art, skill) of numbers, equivalent to arithmé ( ein ) to reckon + -t ( o )- verbal adjective + -ikḗ -ic; replacing Middle English arsmet ( r ) ike < Old French arismetique < Medieval Latin arismētica, with s for Late Greek th

Explanation

Arithmetic is another word for math, specifically the areas of math having to do with numbers and calculating. If you're good at adding, subtracting, dividing, and multiplying, then you're good at arithmetic, which is a big part of math. Arithmetic has to do with doing calculations. To answer most math problems, including almost all word problems, you need arithmetic. The most basic arithmetic is 2 plus 2, but as anyone who's ever taken algebra can tell you, it can get a lot more complicated than that.

Example Sentences

Many competitive colleges that dropped the SAT or ACT have restored it because too many incoming students can’t do basic arithmetic or read any but the simplest texts.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026

Makers of personal computers face the same arithmetic, though not all are equally exposed.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 8, 2026

But it is also now true that the arithmetic and sentiment the prime minister confronts are bleak and getting darker.

From BBC • May 12, 2026

If Powell stays, that arithmetic becomes even harder, and it could stiffen the resolve of other governors whose terms run beyond Powell’s, said Wilcox.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 27, 2026

No record survives of Tisquantum’s first journey across the Atlantic, but arithmetic gives some hint of the conditions in Hunt’s ship.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann

Related Words

• calculation
• computation