calculate

[ kal-kyuh-leyt ]
See synonyms for: calculatecalculatedcalculating on Thesaurus.com

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.

  2. to determine by reasoning, common sense, or practical experience; estimate; evaluate; gauge.

  1. to make suitable or fit for a purpose; adapt (usually used passively and with an infinitive): His remarks were calculated to inspire our confidence.

  2. Chiefly Northern U.S.

    • to think; guess.

    • 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.

Origin of calculate

1
First recorded in 1560–70; from Late Latin calculātus “reckoned,” past participle of calculāre “to reckon,” derivative of calculus “pebble”; see calculus

Other words for calculate

Other words from calculate

  • pre·cal·cu·late, verb (used with object), pre·cal·cu·lat·ed, pre·cal·cu·lat·ing.

Words Nearby calculate

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use calculate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for calculate

calculate

/ (ˈkælkjʊˌleɪt) /


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

  1. (tr; usually passive) to design specifically; aim: the car was calculated to appeal to women

  2. (intr; foll by on or upon) to depend; rely

  3. (tr; may take a clause as object) US dialect

    • to suppose; think

    • to intend (to do something)

Origin of calculate

1
C16: from Late Latin calculāre, from calculus pebble used as a counter; see calculus

Derived forms of calculate

  • calculative (ˈkælkjʊlətɪv), adjective

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012