'mathematics' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'mathēmatikē,' where 'mathēma' meant 'knowledge, study, learning.'

'mathēmatikē' transformed into the Latin word 'mathematica,' and eventually became the modern English word 'mathematics' through Old French 'mathematique.'

Initially, it meant 'knowledge or learning,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'the science of numbers and space.'