cal·cu·late   (kāl'kyə-lāt')    v.   cal·cu·lat·ed, cal·cu·lat·ing, cal·cu·lates v.   tr. To ascertain by computation; reckon: calculating the area of a circle; calculated their probable time of arrival. To make an estimate of; evaluate: calculating the team's chances of winning. To make for a deliberate purpose; design: a sturdy car that is calculated to last for years; a choice that was calculated to please. also cal'late (kāl'āt', -lāt') Chiefly New England To suppose: "I cal'late she's a right smart cook" (Dialect Notes). To plan, intend, or count on. v.   intr. To perform a mathematical process; figure: We must measure and calculate to determine how much paint will be needed. To predict consequences. Regional To suppose; guess. To count, depend, or rely on someone or something: We're calculating on your help. [Late Latin calculāre, calculāt-, from Latin calculus, small stone used in reckoning, diminutive of calx, calc-, small stone for gaming; see calx.] cal'cu·la'tive (-lā'tĭv, -lə-tĭv) adj. Synonyms: These verbs refer to the use of mathematical methods to determine a result. Calculate, the most comprehensive, often implies a relatively high level of abstraction or procedural complexity: The astronomer calculated the planet's position. Compute applies to possibly lengthy arithmetic operations: computing fees according to time spent. Reckon, cipher, and figure suggest the use of simple arithmetic: reckoned the number of hours before her departure; had to be taught to read and to cipher; trying to figure my share of the bill.

Calculate

Cal"cu*late\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Calculater; p. pr. & vb. n. Calculating.] [L, calculatus, p. p. of calculate, fr. calculus a pebble, a stone used in reckoning; hence, a reckoning, fr. calx, calcis, a stone used in gaming, limestone. See Calx.]

1. To ascertain or determine by mathematical processes, usually by the ordinary rules of arithmetic; to reckon up; to estimate; to compute.

A calencar exacity calculated than any othe. --North.

2. To ascertain or predict by mathematical or astrological computations the time, circumstances, or other conditions of; to forecast or compute the character or consequences of; as, to calculate or cast one's nativity.

A cunning man did calculate my birth. --Shak.

3. To adjust for purpose; to adapt by forethought or calculation; to fit or prepare by the adaptation of means to an end; as, to calculate a system of laws for the government and protection of a free people.

[Religion] is . . . calculated for our benefit. --Abp. Tillotson.

4. To plan; to expect; to think. [Local, U. S.]

Syn: To compute; reckon; count; estimate; rate.

Usage: To Calculate, Compute. Reckon, Count. These words indicate the means by which we arrive at a given result in regard to quantity. We calculate with a view to obtain a certain point of knowledge; as, to calculate an eclipse. We compute by combining given numbers, in order to learn the grand result. We reckon and count in carrying out the details of a computation. These words are also used in a secondary and figurative sense. "Calculate is rather a conjection from what is, as to what may be; computation is a rational estimate of what has been, from what is; reckoning is a conclusive conviction, a pleasing assurance that a thing will happen; counting indicates an expectation. We calculate on a gain; we compute any loss sustained, or the amount of any mischief done; we reckon on a promised pleasure; we count the hours and minutes until the time of enjoyment arrives" --Crabb.