maths: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal (primarily British, Australian, etc.), Neutral within those varieties.
Quick answer
What does “maths” mean?
The study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and relationships, using symbols and logical reasoning.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and relationships, using symbols and logical reasoning.
Used informally to refer to the academic subject, one's proficiency in it, or a specific calculation/problem (e.g., 'The maths doesn't work out').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British, Australian, NZ English, etc., 'maths' is standard. In American and Canadian English, 'math' is standard. The 's' in 'maths' originates from the plural noun 'mathematics'.
Connotations
No significant difference in connotation, only a regional lexical preference. 'Maths' can sound distinctly British to American ears, and vice versa.
Frequency
Virtually 100% preferred in UK contexts for the school subject. 'Math' is occasionally used in UK tech/business jargon under US influence.
Grammar
How to Use “maths” in a Sentence
be good/bad at + mathsdo + (my/your) + mathsstudy + mathsteach + mathsstruggle with + mathsVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “maths” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- maths exam
- maths textbook
American English
- math exam (US)
- math textbook (US)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
'We need to check the maths on that proposal before we commit.'
Academic
'Her research integrates complex maths with biological modelling.'
Everyday
'I've got to help my son with his maths homework tonight.'
Technical
'The physics engine relies heavily on real-time collision detection maths.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “maths”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “maths”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “maths”
- Using 'math' in a consistently British context (marked as Americanism).
- Using a plural verb: 'Maths are' (incorrect).
- Misspelling as 'math's'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a singular uncountable noun, e.g., 'Maths is my favourite subject.'
'Math' is American English. 'Maths' is British, Australian, and other Commonwealth varieties. Both are short for 'mathematics'.
In British contexts, 'maths' is acceptable for general writing. In very formal or scientific contexts, 'mathematics' is often preferred.
It's a clipping of 'mathematics', which itself is a plural noun (from Greek 'ta mathēmatika', meaning 'the mathematical things'). The 's' is retained in non-American varieties.
The study of numbers, quantities, shapes, and relationships, using symbols and logical reasoning.
Maths: in British English it is pronounced /mæθs/, and in American English it is pronounced /mæθs/ (Note: American speakers would typically say /mæθ/ ('math'), but this is the pronunciation if they were to say the UK form.). Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “do the maths (US: do the math) = figure it out, realize the implications”
- “The maths doesn't add up = the numbers/logic are inconsistent.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Maths ends with an 'S' just like its full form, MathematicS. Think: British Subjects like Maths (both have 's').
Conceptual Metaphor
MATHS IS A LANGUAGE (learn the vocabulary, fluent in algebra), MATHS IS A TOOL (use maths to solve it), MATHS IS A PUZZLE/GAME (a fun maths problem).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the standard term in British English?