mathematical

American  

[math-uh-mat-i-kuhl] / ˌmæθ əˈmæt ɪ kəl /

Also mathematic

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of mathematics.

   mathematical truth.

2. employed in the operations of mathematics.

   mathematical instruments.

3. having the exactness, precision, or certainty of mathematics.

   Synonyms:

   rigorous, meticulous, precise, exact

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mathematical British  

/ ˌmæθəˈmætɪkəl, ˌmæθˈmæt- /

adjective

1. of, used in, or relating to mathematics

2. characterized by or using the precision of mathematics; exact

3. using, determined by, or in accordance with the principles of mathematics

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Other Word Forms

• mathematically adverb
• nonmathematic adjective
• nonmathematical adjective
• nonmathematically adverb
• semimathematical adjective
• semimathematically adverb
• supermathematical adjective
• supermathematically adverb
• unmathematical adjective
• unmathematically adverb

Etymology

Origin of mathematical

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin mathēmatic ( us ) pertaining to mathematics + -al ¹

Example Sentences

Based on projected earnings for the year ahead, the S&P 500’s P/E is 20, which, in a mathematical coincidence, is about 20% higher than the 20-year average—a premium, but not an excessive one.

From Barron's • Apr. 3, 2026

Alongside the experimental work, the researchers developed mathematical models to better understand how different factors influence frying.

From Science Daily • Apr. 2, 2026

“It’s a mathematical breakthrough, not just another tiny model.”

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

It’s a “quest for a mathematical theory of the mind,” as the subtitle puts it—opening with Aristotle and ending with artificial intelligence.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 29, 2026

They liked Copernicanism as a mathematical device; they had no time for it as scientific truth.

From "The Invention of Science" by David Wootton

Related Words

• analytical
• numerical
• scientific