numerical

numerical — adjective

1. using numbers to show the size, value, or amount of something, or connected with

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

using numbers to show the size, value, or amount of something, or connected with the system of working with numbers

Example

Diya arranged the test results in numerical order from lowest to highest.

collocation: numerical order

The report includes a numerical analysis of last year's sales figures.

collocation: numerical analysis

Common collocations
  • numerical data
  • numerical value
  • numerical analysis
  • numerical order
  • numerical score
  • numerical rating
  • numerical figure
  • numerical information
Synonyms
  • numeric

    less common variant; interchangeable in most contexts but less frequent in formal writing

  • mathematical

    broader meaning that includes shapes, equations, and abstract relations, not just quantities

  • digital

    specifically refers to numbers used by computers or electronic systems

Antonyms
  • qualitative

    describes qualities or features rather than quantities or numbers

Grammar Patterns

numerical + noun

Usage Note

Typically used before a noun (attributive position). Common in academic, scientific, and technical writing. The less common variant 'numeric' can replace 'numerical' in most cases ('numeric value', 'numeric data'), but 'numerical' is preferred in standard English.

Common Mistakes

There were numerical reasons for the delay.
There were numerous reasons for the delay.
'numerical' relates to numbers; 'numerous' means many.
She gave a numerical talk about her trip.
She gave a detailed talk about her trip.
'numerical' does not mean long or thorough.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

All four words relate to numbers, but they differ in range and context. 'Numerical' is the most general and common choice for anything expressed in or involving numbers ('numerical data', 'numerical value'). 'Numeric' is a less frequent variant that can replace 'numerical' in technical fields but sounds slightly informal in academic prose. 'Digital' narrows the meaning to numbers processed by computers or displayed on electronic screens ('digital signal', 'digital clock'); it does not fit contexts like 'numerical order' or 'numerical analysis'. 'Mathematical' is the broadest term, covering not just quantities but shapes, equations, proofs, and logical relationships. For example, a 'numerical answer' requires only a number, while a 'mathematical answer' might involve a formula, a proof, or a geometric diagram.

numerical ↗numeric ↗digital ↗mathematical ↗

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from Latin 'numerus' (a number) combined with the suffix '-ical', which turns a noun into an adjective meaning 'relating to'. The word entered English through French and Latin scholarly writing in the 1600s, when mathematics and science were developing systematic ways of recording and comparing measurements.