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calculate
[ kal-kyuh-leyt ]
/ ˈkæl kyəˌleɪt /
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This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
verb (used with object), cal·cu·lat·ed, cal·cu·lat·ing.
to determine or ascertain by mathematical methods; compute: to calculate the velocity of light.
to determine by reasoning, common sense, or practical experience; estimate; evaluate; gauge.
to make suitable or fit for a purpose; adapt (usually used passively and with an infinitive): His remarks were calculated to inspire our confidence.
Chiefly Northern U.S.
- to think; guess.
- to intend; plan.
verb (used without object), cal·cu·lat·ed, cal·cu·lat·ing.
to make a computation or form an estimate.
to count or rely (usually followed by on or upon): They calculated on good weather.
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Origin of calculate
OTHER WORDS FROM calculate
pre·cal·cu·late, verb (used with object), pre·cal·cu·lat·ed, pre·cal·cu·lat·ing.Words nearby calculate
calcrete, calc-sinter, calc-spar, calc-tufa, calculable, calculate, calculated, calculated risk, calculating, calculating machine, calculation
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use calculate in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for calculate
calculate
/ (ˈkælkjʊˌleɪt) /
verb
to solve (one or more problems) by a mathematical procedure; compute
(tr; may take a clause as object) to determine beforehand by judgment, reasoning, etc; estimate
(tr; usually passive) to design specifically; aimthe car was calculated to appeal to women
(intr; foll by on or upon) to depend; rely
(tr; may take a clause as object) US dialect
- to suppose; think
- to intend (to do something)
Derived forms of calculate
calculative (ˈkælkjʊlətɪv), adjectiveWord Origin for calculate
C16: from Late Latin calculāre, from calculus pebble used as a counter; see calculus
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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