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

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

In a post on X following the attack, Zelensky wrote that the "cynical and calculated attack" targeted civilian and energy infrastructure.

Read more on BBC

“Important statistics like expenses should rightfully be calculated in the same way across different types of funds and investments.”

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

As you may already know, the Social Security Administration uses the 35 highest earning years when calculating monthly benefits.

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Despite the government shutdown, some workers at the Bureau of Labor Statistics will resume work on the September consumer-price index, which calculates the prices of various goods, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Read more on MarketWatch

Related Words

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