Word
math
US/ˈmæθ/
UK/mˈæθ/
Definitions
01the subject or science
A1 · Beginner Uncountable noun Mathematics American English
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.
“I always enjoyed math in high school because I liked solving puzzles.”
“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
02calculations
A2 · Elementary Uncountable noun Mathematics American English · Informal
n. the act of calculating numbers to find an answer.
n. the process of performing arithmetic calculations to reach a specific result.
“If you do the math, you will see that buying the larger box is cheaper.”
“The investors did the math and realized the projected profits would not cover the initial overhead costs.”
Teaching tip
The phrase 'do the math' is a very common idiom meaning to look at the facts to reach an obvious conclusion.
Synonyms
03to calculate or make sense
C1 · Advanced Slang · Informal
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.
“I tried to figure out the bill, but the numbers just aren't mathing today.”
“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.
Confusables
Maths is the standard term in British English, while math is the standard term in American English.
RememberMaths = British plural-style; Math = American singular-style.
Etymology
Clipping of mathematics.
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.
Contraction of matha.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Idioms
01. check the math
02. do the math
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.A1 MoversIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.2.0–3.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 1.0–1.50–23TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.120–224
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A1 · Beginner
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/math