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

Strategic empathy comes up a lot in poker—which is very much both a mathematical game and a people game. —Nate Silver, WIRED, 19 Dec. 2024

In other words, if string theory is correct, the Standard Model would be just one segment of string theory’s full mathematical description of reality. —Tom Siegfried, JSTOR Daily, 19 Dec. 2024

Tampa Bay brings a four-game winning streak into Dallas for a Sunday night game again the Dallas Cowboys, who have a mathematical chance to sneak into the playoffs despite a season-ending injury to Dak Prescott. —Jack Magruder, Forbes, 19 Dec. 2024

Judging from contemporary catalogs and advertisements, booksellers saw the text not as a mathematical treatise or schoolbook, but rather a piece of popular literature worthy of mass attention. —James Fox, Smithsonian Magazine, 19 Dec. 2024

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

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