What does numerological mean?
Numerological is the adjective describing something connected with numerology, the practice of interpreting numbers—especially those in dates, names, or personal details—as having symbolic or predictive significance. A numerological reading may assign significance to a birth date, a building number, or a person's name; it does not mean merely that numbers are involved, as in a numerical calculation. The term is often evaluative: writers may call a claim “numerological” to suggest that it rests on an unproven correspondence between numbers and events. It can also be used neutrally when describing a system or interpretation. Because “numerological” identifies a particular method of interpretation rather than mathematical accuracy or numerical precision, it is especially useful in discussions of astrology, occult practices, and popular claims about patterns in names and dates.
adjectiveOf, relating to, or based on numerology, especially the interpretation of numbers as having symbolic, spiritual, or predictive significance.
- Relating to or based on the interpretation of numbers as having symbolic, spiritual, or predictive significance.
"She treated the date of the building's completion as a numerological sign."
"The article examines the numerological significance assigned to the company's founding date."
"His interest in numerological readings developed into an enduring fascination with name analysis."
Numerology turns numbers into stories; “numerological” is the label for those stories.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of numerological
Numerological was formed from numerology with the suffix “-ical,” meaning “relating to.” Numerology combines the Latin numerus, meaning “number,” with the Greek-derived suffix “-logia,” referring to the study or science of something. The Latin root also underlies numeral, number, numerous, numeracy, and enumerate.
Related word forms
How numerological is actually used
The term is often evaluative or dismissive, suggesting that a claim relies on an unproven correspondence between numbers and events. It may also be used neutrally when describing a particular system of number-based interpretation.
Easily confused with numerological
Numerical means involving numbers or their calculation, whereas numerological specifically relates to assigning symbolic significance to numbers.