What does arithmetic mean?
Arithmetic is the branch of mathematics that deals with numbers and the basic operations performed on them: addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It is the oldest and most elementary part of mathematics, forming the foundation upon which algebra, geometry, and higher mathematical disciplines are built. Beyond its formal definition, the word is often used to refer to the practical skill of calculating — as when someone praises another person's mental arithmetic or notes that 'the arithmetic doesn't add up' in a budget or a political argument. In journalism and everyday speech, 'doing the arithmetic' has come to mean working out the practical consequences of a plan in plain numerical terms. The word derives from the Greek arithmos, meaning 'number', and entered English through Latin. Related terms include 'algorithm' and 'logarithm', which share the same linguistic ancestry. As an adjective, 'arithmetic' describes things involving these operations, such as an arithmetic mean or an arithmetic progression.
The branch of mathematics dealing with the basic operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division on numbers.
"Arithmetic is usually the first branch of mathematics taught in school."
Also used figuratively for any simple numerical reckoning, especially in financial or political contexts.
Relating to or involving arithmetic; based on the four basic operations on numbers.
"An arithmetic progression is a sequence in which each term differs from the previous one by a constant amount."
Pronounced with stress on the second syllable (/ˌærɪθˈmɛtɪk/), unlike the noun form.
Rarely used; 'arithmetic' is almost always treated as an uncountable singular noun referring to the discipline as a whole.
"Different systems of arithmetics have been developed across cultures throughout history."
The word 'arithmetic' comes from the Greek arithmos, meaning 'number' — and it gave us not just this word, but also 'algorithm' and 'logarithm'.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of arithmetic
Arithmetic derives from the Greek arithmos, meaning 'number', via the Greek arithmetike (tekhnē), 'the art of counting'. The word passed into Latin as arithmetica and entered English through medieval scholarly usage, becoming firmly established by the early modern period. It shares its Greek root with 'algorithm' and 'logarithm', both of which trace back through related Greek and later Arabic mathematical vocabulary.
Related word forms
How arithmetic is actually used
When stressed on the second syllable (/ˌærɪθˈmɛtɪk/), 'arithmetic' functions as an adjective meaning relating to arithmetic, as in 'arithmetic progression' or 'arithmetic mean'. The noun is always stressed on the third syllable. The word carries no strong connotation of difficulty, though phrases like 'the arithmetic is brutal' appear in financial and political journalism to emphasize stark numerical realities.
Easily confused with arithmetic
An algorithm is a step-by-step procedure for solving a problem, while arithmetic is the branch of mathematics concerned with basic number operations; the two words share Greek roots but mean entirely different things.