calculate
KALK-yuu-layt
Calculate (verb) means to work out a number, amount, or answer using mathematics. Example: “Can you calculate how many tiles we need for the floor?”
verb
1
To work out a number, amount, or answer using mathematics.
"Can you calculate how many tiles we need for the floor?"
"She calculated the total cost of the trip before booking."
"Engineers calculated how much weight the bridge could hold."
2
To plan or expect something based on reasoning.
"He calculated that the risk was worth taking."
How to use calculate
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishTo figure something out mathematically, or to plan something carefully based on reasoning.
Common pairings
calculate the cost
calculate the odds
carefully calculated
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Word forms
- Third person singular
- calculates
- Past tense
- calculated
- Archaic forms
- calculatest, calculatedst, calculateth
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Can you _____ how many tiles we need for the floor?
Etymology
From Latin calculare, "to reckon," from calculus, "a small pebble" — pebbles were once used as counters for doing sums.
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for calculate
See all rhymes for calculate →Frequently asked questions
What does “calculate” mean?
The word “calculate” means to work out a number, amount, or answer using mathematics. In plain terms, to figure something out mathematically, or to plan something carefully based on reasoning.
How do you pronounce “calculate”?
“Calculate” is pronounced KALK-yuu-layt (/ˈkælkjʊleɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “calculate” in a sentence?
Here is “calculate” used in a sentence: “She calculated the total cost of the trip before booking.”
What is another word for “calculate”?
Words with a similar meaning to “calculate” include cipher, supputate and suppute.
What part of speech is “calculate”?
“Calculate” is a verb.
Where does the word “calculate” come from?
The word “calculate” comes from Latin. From Latin calculare, "to reckon," from calculus, "a small pebble" — pebbles were once used as counters for doing sums.
Is “calculate” a common word?
“Calculate” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “calculate” have?
“Calculate” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to work out a number, amount, or answer using mathematics.
What is the difference between 'calculate' and 'estimate'?
To calculate is to work out an exact figure using mathematics. To estimate is to make an approximate judgement without precise measurement. Calculating aims for a precise answer, while estimating accepts a rough one.
What is the difference between 'calculate' and 'compute'?
Both mean to work out a number using mathematics, and they overlap heavily. 'Compute' often implies a machine or formal procedure and is common in technical contexts, while 'calculate' is the everyday word and can also mean to plan or reckon on an expected outcome.
What is the difference between 'calculate' and 'reckon'?
Both can mean to work out a figure or to expect something. 'Calculate' is more precise and formal and suits exact mathematics, while 'reckon' is more informal and is often used for rough estimates or opinions, as in 'I reckon it will rain.'
