English Reference
Word noun · verb

math

n. · v.
US /ˈmæθ/ UK /mˈæθ/ math
Definition
  1. 01 A1 Beginner American English Math

    n.the study of numbers, shapes, and logic.

    n.the abstract science of number, quantity, and space, studied as a discipline or applied to other fields.

    Simple

    “I always enjoyed math in high school because I liked solving puzzles.”

    In context

    “Advanced math requires a high degree of abstract reasoning and a solid grasp of foundational algebraic principles.”

    Usage

    In North America, the word is uncountable and does not take an 's' at the end.

    Synonyms
    mathematicsarithmetic
  2. 02 A2 Elementary American EnglishInformal Math

    n.the act of calculating numbers to find an answer.

    n.the process of performing arithmetic calculations to reach a specific result.

    Simple

    “If you do the math, you will see that buying the larger box is cheaper.”

    In context

    “The investors did the math and realized the projected profits would not cover the initial overhead costs.”

    Teacher's tip

    The phrase 'do the math' is a very common idiom meaning to look at the facts to reach an obvious conclusion.

    Synonyms
    calculationcomputation
  3. 03 C1 Advanced SlangInformal

    v.to do calculations; also used to say that a situation makes sense.

    v.to perform mathematical operations; used figuratively in slang to describe whether a situation is logical.

    Simple

    “I tried to figure out the bill, but the numbers just aren't mathing today.”

    In context

    “The witness's story simply isn't mathing, as the timeline he provided contradicts the security footage.”

    Usage

    Often used in the progressive form 'mathing' in modern internet slang.

    Synonyms
    calculatecomputeadd up
Don't confuse

math vs maths — Maths is the standard term in British English, while math is the standard term in American English.

Etymology
Etymology 1

Clipping of mathematics.

Etymology 2

From Middle English math, from Old English mǣþ (“a mowing, that which is mown, cutting of grass”), from Proto-Germanic mēþą (“a mowing”), from Proto-Indo-European h₂meh₁- (“to mow”); equivalent to mow + -th (abstract nominal suffix). Cognate with German Mahd (“a mowing, reaping”), West Frisian mêd (“area of land that can be mown in one day; domain, realm”). Related also to Old English mǣd (“mead, meadow, pasture”). See meadow.

Etymology 3

Contraction of matha.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Level A1 · Beginner
Frequency Common
Updated