Math

/mæθ/

nounBeginnerVery CommonScience

Definitions

1

The study of numbers, shapes, and patterns.

/mæθ/

nounneutralBeginner
Science

The abstract science of number, quantity, and space.

I enjoy solving math problems.

💡 Simply: Math is like a big puzzle where you use numbers, shapes, and logic to solve problems. Imagine you're trying to figure out how many cookies you need to share with your friends!

👶 For kids: Math is learning about numbers, like counting and figuring out how many things you have.

More Examples

2

She is very good at math.

3

Math is a fundamental subject in most schools.

How It's Used

Education

"Students study math in school to learn about numbers and shapes."

Science

"Mathematical principles are fundamental to physics and engineering."

Idioms & expressions

Do the math

To make a logical calculation; to figure out the consequences or implications.

"If you do the math, you'll see that this plan doesn't make sense."

Math is hard

A statement about the difficulty of math

"Math is hard, but I still try my best to get a good grade."

From the shortening of "mathematics", ultimately from the Greek μάθημα (máthēma, “science, knowledge, learning”).

The term 'math' as a shortened form of 'mathematics' has been in common use since the late 19th century.

Memory tip

Think of 'math' as the language of the universe, used to describe how everything works.

matmethmaths

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written