calculate

[ kal-kyuh-leyt ]

verb (used with object)

, cal·cu·lat·ed, cal·cu·lat·ing.

1. to determine or ascertain by mathematical methods; compute:

   to calculate the velocity of light.

   Synonyms: cast, figure, count

2. to determine by reasoning, common sense, or practical experience; estimate; evaluate; gauge.
3. to make suitable or fit for a purpose; adapt (usually used passively and with an infinitive):

   His remarks were calculated to inspire our confidence.

   Synonyms: mean, intend, plan, design

4. Chiefly Northern U.S.
   1. to think; guess.
   2. to intend; plan.

verb (used without object)

, cal·cu·lat·ed, cal·cu·lat·ing.

1. to make a computation or form an estimate.
2. to count or rely (usually followed by on or upon ):

   They calculated on good weather.

calculate

/ ˈkælkjʊˌleɪt; ˈkælkjʊlətɪv /

verb

1. to solve (one or more problems) by a mathematical procedure; compute
2. tr; may take a clause as object to determine beforehand by judgment, reasoning, etc; estimate
3. tr; usually passive to design specifically; aim

   the car was calculated to appeal to women

4. intr; foll by on or upon to depend; rely
5. dialect.
   tr; may take a clause as object
   1. to suppose; think
   2. to intend (to do something)

Derived Forms

• calculative, adjective

Other Words From

• pre·calcu·late verb (used with object) precalculated precalculating

Word History and Origins

Origin of calculate¹

First recorded in 1560–70; from Late Latin calculātus “reckoned,” past participle of calculāre “to reckon,” derivative of calculus “pebble”; calculus

Word History and Origins

Origin of calculate¹

C16: from Late Latin calculāre, from calculus pebble used as a counter; see calculus

Example Sentences

Poulain would then go on to calculate the “extreme longevity index”—the number of centenarians born each year in the region divided by the total number of births recorded during that same period.

From Science Magazine

To assess the long-term risk of consuming GenX-contaminated produce in impacted communities, researchers also calculated the chronic-exposure daily limit, which is the maximum amount of produce that an individual could safely consume daily.

From Science Daily

The LAO said their outlook accounts for higher costs to fight wildfires, but doesn’t calculate in other unanticipated disasters, such as earthquakes or another pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times

By knowing the PSF of a microscopic system you can calculate out the blur to end up with an image that resembles the truth much better than the unprocessed recorded image.

From Science Daily

They calculated how well the reactor would work in four climates: Atlanta, New York, Minneapolis, and Seattle.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• adjust
• appraise
• consider
• count
• determine
• forecast
• gauge
• guess
• measure
• multiply
• reckon
• subtract
• tally
• weigh
• work out