Word
maths
Uncountable noun
Definition
n. the study of numbers, shapes, and calculations.
n. the science of numbers and their operations, interrelations, combinations, and abstractions. Uncountable; treated as a singular noun despite the final 's'.
Examples
“I have a difficult maths test tomorrow morning.”
“She decided to study advanced maths at university because she enjoyed solving complex equations in high school.”
“While the basic principles of maths are introduced in primary school, the field encompasses highly abstract theories that underpin modern physics and computer science.”
Examples
simple
“I have a difficult maths test tomorrow morning.”
contextual
“She decided to study advanced maths at university because she enjoyed solving complex equations in high school.”
complex
“While the basic principles of maths are introduced in primary school, the field encompasses highly abstract theories that underpin modern physics and computer science.”
Usage
Always used with a singular verb (e.g., 'maths is...').
Teaching tip
This is the standard form in British, Australian, and New Zealand English. In American and Canadian English, the form 'math' is used instead.
Pitfall
Maths are my favorite subject.
Maths is my favorite subject.
Even though 'maths' ends in 's', it is a singular noun and takes a singular verb.
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
Contraction of mathematics.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- A2 · ElementaryOxford
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/maths