calculate

verb

KAL-kyoo-layt/ˈkælkjʊleɪt/UKKAL-kyuu-layt/ˈkælkjʊleɪt/

Formscalculates, calculating, calculated

6 meanings of calculate

1
verbtransitive
To work out a number or answer by using math.
Like adding up the prices in your basket to know what you owe.
Engineers calculate the total cost before starting the project.
She calculated the area of the room to buy the right carpet.
Similarcompute, determine, reckon
Note
2
verbintransitive
To do math in order to find an answer.
Children learn to calculate quickly with daily practice.
He calculated carefully before he gave his answer.
Similarcompute, reckon, count
Note
3
verbtransitive
To plan or shape something carefully so it will reach a goal.
He calculated every word to keep the crowd calm.
They calculate each move to win over new customers.
Similartailor, design, gear, craft, engineer
Note
4
verbtransitive
To work out ahead of time when something will happen or how it will turn out.
Sailors calculated the tides before setting out to sea.
Astrologers calculate the best day for a wedding.
Similarpredict, forecast, compute, reckon
Note
5
verbtransitive
To think through possible moves in a game before making one.
Strong players calculate several moves ahead before touching a piece.
She calculated a winning line entirely in her head.
Similaranalyze, compute
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6
verbdialectalUSintransitive
To think or expect that something will happen.
I calculate we'll reach town by nightfall.
They calculated on a good harvest that year.
Similarreckon, figure, expect, suppose, plan
Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from Latin calculō, meaning to reckon or compute. This originally meant counting with pebbles, from calculus, meaning a small pebble.