What does numerically mean?
Numerically is an adverb meaning in a manner governed by numbers or numerical quantities. It is commonly used in mathematics, science, statistics, engineering, and data analysis to describe a calculation, comparison, relationship, or result. Saying that two values are numerically identical means that they have the same numerical value, though it does not necessarily mean that the things represented by those values are identical in every respect. Numerically greater means greater according to a number rather than, for example, greater in visual size, importance, or some other qualitative respect. The word conveys precision and a focus on measurable quantities, but it can also sound technical or impersonal in general discussion. Its everyday equivalent is often “in numbers” or “in numerical terms.”
adverbIn a numerical manner; with reference to numbers or numerical quantities.
- In a numerical manner; using numbers or numerical quantities.
"The two results are numerically identical, although they are presented differently."
"The climate models are numerically consistent with the observed data."
"Numerically, the second proposal is less expensive, but it may be harder to implement."
Numerically keeps mathematics grounded in the language of numbers: it describes a result in terms of quantity, value, or measurable position.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does numerically come from?
Numerically was formed in English from the adjective numerical and the adverb-forming suffix -ly. The adjective numerical comes through Medieval Latin from Latin numerus, meaning “number” or “count,” and ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root associated with counting and distribution. English numerical and the related forms numeric, numeral, and number share this Latin origin.
Related word forms
How numerically is actually used
This adverb is formal and technical, especially common in mathematics, science, data analysis, and comparative discussion. It may indicate that two things are equivalent according to their numerical values without implying that they are otherwise identical.