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

There is also a dispute around the figures used to calculate the changes.

From BBC

Yet if all of the $2 trillion in US government expenditure savings now being targeted by Musk were to come from discretionary spending, analysts calculate that entire agencies - from transport, to agriculture, to Homeland Security - would have to be entirely closed down.

From BBC

Vance raised the idea of dividing up “risk pools,” which are used to share medical costs and calculate insurance premiums.

From Los Angeles Times

The mega-rich are using private jets like taxis, warn climate scientists who tracked flights to calculate the planet-warming gases they release.

From BBC

The move — if adopted en masse by the private aircraft — could block scientists like Gössling from determining what model aircraft it is — which researchers need to calculate carbon dioxide emissions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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