Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or of the nature of mathematics: Pertaining to the abstract science of number, quantity, space, and structure, or its methods and principles.
   • Characterized by the exactness or precision of mathematics: Having the rigor, logic, and absolute certainty associated with mathematical reasoning.
   • Statistically possible though highly improbable: Describing a chance or possibility that can be calculated but is extremely remote.
   • Having ability in or aptitude for working with numbers: Skilled in numerical or logical thinking.

Usage Examples

• Relating to mathematics:
  • She is writing a mathematical textbook on calculus.
  • The solution required a complex mathematical proof.
• Characterized by precision:
  • The engineer demanded mathematical precision in the measurements.
  • It is a mathematical certainty that two plus two equals four.
• Statistically possible:
  • Our team still has a mathematical chance of qualifying, but it's very slim.
• Having numerical aptitude:
  • He has a mathematical mind and excels at solving puzzles.

Advanced Usage

• "Mathematical model": A representation of a system using mathematical concepts and language to facilitate analysis, prediction, or control.
  • Scientists created a mathematical model to simulate climate change.
• "Mathematical induction": A method of mathematical proof typically used to establish that a given statement is true for all natural numbers.
  • The formula was proven using the principle of mathematical induction.

Variants and Related Words

• Mathematically (adverb): In a mathematical manner; with mathematical precision.
  • The theory is mathematically sound.
• Mathematician (noun): An expert in or student of mathematics.
  • She is a renowned mathematician.

Synonyms

• Numerical: Relating to or expressed as a number or numbers.
• Arithmetical: Relating to arithmetic.
• Precise: Marked by exactness and accuracy of expression or detail.
• Exact: Not approximated in any way; precise.

Related Phrases

• Mathematical constant: A special number, usually a real number, that is "significantly interesting" in some way (e.g., π, e).
  • Pi (π) is a fundamental mathematical constant.
• Mathematical fallacy: A flaw in reasoning that leads to an invalid mathematical proof.
  • The student's argument contained a subtle mathematical fallacy.

Related Idioms

• A mathematical certainty: Something that is absolutely sure to happen or be true.
  • Given the evidence, his guilt is a mathematical certainty.

Adjective

1. characterized by the exactness or precision of mathematics
   • mathematical precision
2. statistically possible though highly improbable
   • have a mathematical chance of making the playoffs
3. beyond question
   • a mathematical certainty
4. relating to or having ability to think in or work with numbers
   • tests for rating numerical aptitude
   • a mathematical whiz
5. of or pertaining to or of the nature of mathematics
   • a mathematical textbook
   • slide rules and other mathematical instruments
   • a mathematical solution to a problem
   • mathematical proof