maths

maths — noun

1. the science that uses numbers, shapes, and symbols to study quantities, patterns

1.nounA2
Definition

the science that uses numbers, shapes, and symbols to study quantities, patterns, and relationships in the world, often taught as a school subject

Example

Yuna has always found maths easier than English or history.

comparison structure: easier than [other subject]

The maths textbook for next term covers algebra and geometry.

collocation: maths textbook covers [topic]

Common collocations
  • study maths
  • take maths
  • do maths
  • maths lesson
  • maths teacher
  • maths homework
  • maths problem
  • maths exam
Synonyms
  • mathematics

    the full, more formal term for the same subject; 'maths' is the everyday abbreviation

  • arithmetic

    a narrower branch focusing only on numbers and basic operations (addition, subtraction, etc.), not the whole subject

Usage Note

In British English, 'maths' is uncountable and takes a singular verb: 'Maths is my favourite lesson.' The American equivalent is 'math'.

Common Mistakes

The maths are very difficult today.
Maths is very difficult today.
In British English, 'maths' as a school subject takes a singular verb, not a plural one.
I have math class at nine.
I have maths class at nine.
In British English, the shortened form is 'maths', not 'math'.

2. the use of the word 'maths' with a plural verb to refer to the results of calcul

2.nounC1
Definition

the use of the word 'maths' with a plural verb to refer to the results of calculations rather than the subject as a field of study

Example

The maths suggest that the company will make a loss this year.

plural verb: 'maths suggest' (not 'suggests')

Niran checked the figures twice, but the maths still did not add up.

idiom: 'the maths did not add up'

Common collocations
  • the maths suggest
  • the maths show
  • the maths indicate
  • the maths add up
  • the maths do not add up
Synonyms
  • figures

    a more general term for numerical data; 'the figures suggest...' is a common alternative to 'the maths suggest...'

  • calculations

    the results of working with numbers; 'the calculations show...' is a more explicit alternative

Grammar Patterns

the maths + plural verb (suggest / show / indicate)

Usage Note

This plural verb usage is much rarer than the uncountable sense. It typically occurs with verbs like 'suggest', 'show', 'indicate', or the fixed phrase 'the maths do/does not add up'.

Common Mistakes

The maths is against us.
The maths are against us.
When 'maths' refers to the results of calculations, it can take a plural verb, unlike the subject sense.
Idioms

do the maths

idiom

To carefully consider all the facts and numbers before making a decision.

Before buying a house, do the maths on your budget.

Did you do the maths before investing in that company?

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Mathematics is the broadest term, covering all aspects of numbers, shapes, and symbolic logic as an academic field. Arithmetic is the most basic sub-branch, focusing only on numbers and the four operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) — what primary-school children learn first. Calculation refers to the step-by-step process of working something out, rather than the field itself. Numeracy is a modern term for the everyday ability to understand and work with numbers — a basic life skill. For example, a child practises arithmetic at school, an engineer uses mathematics to design a building, runs a calculation to check the load, and needs good numeracy to read a household budget.

mathematics ↗arithmetic ↗calculation ↗numeracy

Common collocations

Nouns

  • maths teacher
  • maths department

Phrases

Prepositions

  • in maths
  • at maths

Etymology

GreekLatinFrenchEnglish

'Maths' is a shortened form of 'mathematics', which entered English via French 'mathématique' from Latin 'mathematica', and ultimately from Greek 'mathēmatikē' — literally meaning 'the science of learning', from 'mathēma' (knowledge or what is learned). The abbreviation 'maths' (with an 's') became the standard form in British English in the late 19th century, while American English adopted the shorter 'math'.