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

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

According to prosecutors, Smith-Griffin orchestrated “a deliberate and calculated scheme to deceive investors in AllHere Education, Inc., inflating the company’s financials to secure millions of dollars under false pretenses.”

From Los Angeles Times

The new study is unusual in that it calculated the mass of microplastics in landfill leachate and wastewater influent and effluent.

From Science Daily

But he did vote yes on Proposition 32 after calculating that a worker paid at the higher rate would still only make $37,440 a year on a full-time, 40-hour-a-week schedule.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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