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

Bayes' rule takes its name from Thomas Bayes, who described his method for calculating conditional probabilities in "An Essay Towards Solving a Problem in the Doctrine of Chances."

Read more on Science Daily

They calculated that tech and related areas, such as scientific research, have had stronger productivity growth in the past five years relative to before the pandemic, and think that AI has partly contributed to that.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

By studying how the light was distorted, researchers could calculate how much matter was packed inside the unseen object.

Read more on Science Daily

Note: Ranges shown are calculated from Russia’s borders; actual reach may differ if missiles are launched from submarines.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

The main credit bureaus, as I said, calculate their scores differently, so your score would be dinged differently depending on the bureau.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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