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

• precalculate verb (used with object)
• calculative adjective

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

One caveat is that multiple engrams of differing sizes existing around a common center are deemed to represent similar concepts and are therefore treated as one when calculating memory capacity.

Read more on Science Daily

The city budget, however, was calculated under the assumption that the new fees would go into effect Oct.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

"We recognise that there will be a wide range of views on the scheme, its scope, timeframe and how compensation is calculated. On such a complex issue, not everyone will get everything they would like."

Read more on BBC

How are their comparable prices to be calculated, given the web of rebates and discounts that are common in the pharmaceutical universe?

Read more on Los Angeles Times

De minimis, which is Latin for something of little importance, dates to 1938 when Congress passed the exception to boost trade and save the time of inspecting and calculating taxes on every package.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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