Mathematics
/ˌmæθəˈmætɪks/noun
The abstract science of numbers, quantity, structure, space, and change.
Did you know?The Greek root behind mathematics, mathēma, meant “that which is learned,” and it ultimately comes from manthanein, “to learn,” a verb tied to disciplined knowledge rather than magic — though ancient thinkers often treated mathematics as a sacred path to cosmic order.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*men-
“to think, remember, have in mind”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μανθάνειν (manthanein)
“to learn, understand”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μάθημα (mathēma)
“that which is learned; lesson; science”
Ancient Greek
Greek
μαθηματικά (mathēmatika)
“things learned; the mathematical sciences”
Late Latin
Latin
mathematica
“the study of mathematics, especially astronomy/astrology and number lore”
Middle English
English
mathematik / mathematics
“the science of number and quantity”
Modern English
English
mathematics
“the abstract science of numbers, quantity, structure, space, and change”