calculate

[kal-kyuh-leyt]

verb (used with object)

calculated, calculating 

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)

calculated, calculating 

1. to make a computation or form an estimate.

2. to count or rely (usually followed by on orupon ).

   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)

Other Word Forms

• calculative adjective
• precalculate verb (used with object)

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

To calculate how to make better use of existing resources, the study used an approach developed in part by UCLA’s Institute of the Environment and Sustainability.

From Los Angeles Times

The government is unable to calculate the total cost of a secret relocation plan it set up following the Afghan data leak, the public spending watchdog has said.

From BBC

The distance calculated by North Yorkshire Council is based on a road entrance to Tadcaster Grammar, but Ruth, who is a GP, discovered a pedestrian gate which made it the closest school by 27 metres.

From BBC

If multiple journeys are made, the government said it would calculate if a season ticket would have been cheaper.

From BBC

The DOJ calculated that 83% of all felony defendants released before trial appeared for all court dates, and of the remainder, almost all returned to court within a year.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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