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0 pointsdanielmarkbruce1mo ago0 comments

A mathematician is someone who creates or advances math. Not someone who uses math. If you don't understand how the word is used, that's your problem, not a problem with the statement.

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jodrellblank29d ago

Let me check that claim using a dictionary:

    mathematician /măth″ə-mə-tĭsh′ən/

        A person skilled or learned in mathematics.
    
        One versed in mathematics.
    
        An expert on mathematics. 
    
    The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition • More at Wordnik

None of the definitions require creating or advancing mathematics.

danielmarkbruceOP29d ago

People in the field would never, ever call someone "versed in mathematics" as being a mathematician.

I don't even buy that regular people call someone who is "versed in mathematics" a "mathematician".

If you met a 30 year old person and asked what they do and they said "I'm an athlete" - do you take the dictionary definition there too? Most people will assume they mean a professional athlete.

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