# math

/ˈmæθ/ (US) · /mˈæθ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/math
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. the subject or science

noun · CEFR A1 · American English

the study of numbers, shapes, and logic.

For teachers: 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.

### 2. calculations

noun · CEFR A2 · American English · Informal

the act of calculating numbers to find an answer.

For teachers: 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.

### 3. to calculate or make sense

verb · CEFR C1 · Slang · Informal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- I need to practice my math skills for the test.
- She decided to major in math because she enjoyed solving complex logic puzzles and equations.
- While the basic principles of math are universal, the curriculum focuses heavily on applying these concepts to real-world engineering and architectural challenges.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.