mathematical
/ˌmæθəˈmætɪkl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌmæθəˈmætɪkl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌmath-ˈma-ti-kəl ˌma-thə-/ (ame, mw)
mathematical — adjective
- mathematicalpositive
- more mathematicalcomparative
- most mathematicalsuperlative
1. related to the study and use of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns, or to
related to the study and use of numbers, quantities, shapes, and patterns, or to the methods and reasoning used in that field.
Hana solved the mathematical equation faster than her classmates.
mathematical + noun: equation / formula / problem
The mathematical model was tested against real weather data from last year.
collocation: mathematical model
Dr. Okafor's mathematical research helped reduce waiting times at the hospital.
When Bao studied the mathematical proof, he finally understood the theory.
The students used mathematical methods to compare the prices of different phones.
- numerical
narrower — focuses only on numbers and counting, not shapes or patterns
- arithmetic
more restricted — relates specifically to basic operations like addition and subtraction
- algebraic
branch-specific — refers to equations and symbols rather than mathematics in general
- non-mathematical
general opposite; not based on or concerned with mathematics
文法句型
mathematical + noun
be + mathematical
用法筆記
Often appears before nouns such as formula, model, problem, equation, or proof. The related noun 'mathematics' is used to name the subject of study itself, while 'mathematical' describes things within or related to that subject.
常見錯誤
2. extremely accurate and exact, similar to the high level of precision found in ma
extremely accurate and exact, similar to the high level of precision found in mathematical work.
The pianist's timing showed a mathematical precision that amazed the audience.
metaphorical: mathematical precision
Diogo arranged the wooden tiles with mathematical accuracy, each one perfectly measured.
collocation: mathematical accuracy
The laboratory instrument needed mathematical calibration before each test run.
There was a mathematical logic to how Nadia organized her books by height and colour.
The team followed a mathematical sequence when they assembled the engine parts.
- imprecise
lacking exactness or accuracy
- approximate
roughly correct but not exact
文法句型
mathematical + noun (precision / accuracy / logic)
be + mathematical
用法筆記
Frequently metaphorical — the subject (timing, arrangement, logic) lies outside actual mathematics but is compared to it in terms of extreme exactness. Common with nouns such as precision, accuracy, and logic.
常見錯誤
3. completely certain and not open to any doubt, as if proven by a mathematical arg
completely certain and not open to any doubt, as if proven by a mathematical argument.
It is a mathematical certainty that winter follows autumn every year.
fixed phrase: mathematical certainty
Kofi's promotion seemed like a mathematical certainty after his excellent sales results.
collocation: mathematical certainty
The engineer stated that the building's failure was a mathematical impossibility under normal use.
Leila considered her team's victory a mathematical certainty with their two-goal lead.
- certain
less emphatic; does not carry the flavour of absolute proof
- unquestionable
similar strength but used in moral or evidential contexts as well
- indisputable
formal; emphasises that no reasonable argument can challenge the claim
文法句型
a / the + mathematical + certainty
a / the + mathematical + impossibility
用法筆記
Almost always appears in the fixed phrases 'mathematical certainty' and 'mathematical impossibility.' These are emphatic statements of absolute certainty or impossibility, not literal mathematical claims.