Word forms: 3rd person singular presenttense calculates, present participle calculating, past tense, past participle calculated
1. verb
If you calculate a number or amount, you discover it from information that you already have, by using arithmetic, mathematics, or a special machine.
From this you can calculate the total mass in the Galaxy. [VERB noun]
We calculate that the average size farm in Lancaster County is 65 acres. [VERB that]
A computer calculates by switching currents on or off. [VERB]
[Also VERB wh]
Synonyms: work out, value, judge, determine More Synonyms of calculate
2. verb
If you calculate the effects of something, especially a possible course of action, you think about them in order to form an opinion or decide what to do.
I believe I am capable of calculating the political consequences accurately. [VERB noun]
He is calculating that the property market will be back on its feet within two years. [VERB that]
More Synonyms of calculate
calculate in British English
(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
3. (tr; usually passive)
to design specifically; aim
the campaign was calculated to have a political effect
4. (intr; foll by on or upon)
to depend; rely
5. (tr; may take a clause as object) US dialect
a.
to suppose; think
b.
to intend (to do something)
Derived forms
calculative (ˈkælkjʊlətɪv)
adjective
Word origin
C16: from Late Latin calculāre, from calculus pebble used as a counter; see calculus
calculate in American English
(ˈkælkjuˌleɪt; ˈkælkjəˌleɪt)
verb transitiveWord forms: ˈcalcuˌlated or ˈcalcuˌlating
1.
to determine by using mathematics; compute
2.
to reckon or determine by reasoning, evaluating, etc.; estimate; judge
3.
to plan or intend for a purpose
a tale calculated to mislead us
4. Dialectal
to think, suppose, guess, etc.
5. US, Dialectal
to have in mind (to go, do, etc.); intend
verb intransitive
6.
to make a computation
7.
to rely or depend (on)
SYNONYMY NOTE: calculate refers to the mathematical determination of a quantity, amount, etc. and impliesthe use of higher mathematics [to calculate distances in astronomy]; compute suggests simpler mathematics and implies a determinable, hence precise, result [to compute the volume of a cylinder]; estimate implies the judging, usually in advance, of a quantity, cost, etc. and connotes anapproximate result [to estimate the cost of building a house]; reckon, an informal substitute for , compute, suggests the use of simple arithmetic such as can be performed mentally [to reckon the days before elections]
Word origin
< L calculatus, pp. of calculare, to reckon < calculus, pebble, stone used in doing arithmetic, dim. of calx, limestone: see calcium
Examples of 'calculate' in a sentence
calculate
Then he started to calculate the damage she had done to him.
Pacter, Trudi YELLOW BIRD (2001)
Pouring myself some more tea, I began to calculate which train I could catch from Waterloo.
Howatch, Susan ABSOLUTE TRUTHS (2001)
He looked hard into ET's eyes, trying to calculate the mood.
Dobbs, Michael THE TOUCH OF INNOCENTS (2001)
Plus considerably more in the field that nine-month, I calculate.
Lois McMaster Bujold THE CURSE OF CHALION (2001)
In other languages
calculate
British English: calculate /ˈkælkjʊˌleɪt/ VERB
If you calculate a number or amount, you work it out by doing some arithmetic.