Definitions

math

[math] / mæθ /

ADJECTIVE

mathematical

Synonyms

STRONGEST

analytical numerical scientific

WEAK

algebraic algorithmic arithmetical computative geometrical measurable trigonometric

NOUN

mathematics

Synonyms

STRONGEST

algebra calculation calculus geometry

STRONG

addition division figures multiplication numbers subtraction trigonometry

Antonyms

STRONG

decrease reduction subtraction

Frequently Asked Questions

What is another word for math?

The word math comes from a shortening of mathematics. This is often what math is formally called when it’s a school subject. In the U.K. and other places, it’s shortened to maths. (See more about this in the next two sections.) The type of math you learn early in school—addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division—is sometimes called arithmetic. It all starts with basic counting, but there are many branches of math, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, and calculus. The word calculus is also sometimes used in a general way to mean calculation, and the word math can also be used in this way. The word math is also used in other general ways. If you say the math doesn’t add up, it means something’s not right with the numbers (figures, values, totals, tally, etc.).

What is math short for?

Math is short for mathematics.

Is it math or maths?

In the U.S. and Canada, the school subject is commonly called math. In the U.K. and some other places, it’s called maths. To people who use the word math, it may seem strange to put an s on the end, since it’s a single subject, but there are plenty of reasons why it makes sense: it’s short for mathematics, there are several different branches of mathematics, and other school subjects also end with s, such as physics.

What is another way to say do the math?

To do the math is to do the calculation, computation, or reckoning. This can be used in a literal way, meaning to literally calculate the sum or total. But it’s also often used in a figurative way meaning to figure something out based on the available information. The expression add things up can mean the same thing.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

“I know a lot of kids here are really bad at math and struggle with math. And they’re kind of being forced into a class that I’m not sure it’s gonna help them succeed.”

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 19, 2024

“He is unable to manage his personal care, or to understand complex questions or basic math. … There is no evidence that his significant cognitive impairment will improve.”

From Seattle Times • Nov. 22, 2023

Although these ambitious sections would have benefited from more explicit transitions, Cheng's affable style carries her central message through to the end: “You didn't fail math. Math failed you.”

From Scientific American • Jun. 20, 2023

“It’s not complicated. It might be hard, but it’s not complicated. That’s just math. It’s the same reason these days we have fewer strangulations with a landline.”

From New York Times • Mar. 29, 2023

“I love numbers, and I love math. My brain is high-functioning when it comes to numbers. Um...actually, I’m a genius. A math genius.”

From "The Miscalculations of Lightning Girl" by Stacy McAnulty

math

Frequently Asked Questions

Example Sentences

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