Calculate — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt/ cal·cu·late

Meaning & Definition of Calculate

Calculate (verb)

  1. to determine by mathematical processes
  2. to reckon by exercise of practical judgment, estimate
  3. to solve or probe the meaning of, figure out

Calculate (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to determine (a value) by doing the necessary mathematical operations

    "the family has been calculating what a week at the beach resort would end up costing"

    similar: cipher, compute, figure, reckon, work out
    related: add up, average, sum, tally, total, totalize, add, divide, multiply, subtract, allow (for), deduct, factor (in or into or out), figure in, figure out, solve (for), count, itemize, number, calibrate, gauge, measure, scale, appraise, assess, estimate, evaluate, rate, value, recalculate, recompute, refigure

  2. to decide the size, amount, number, or distance of (something) without actual measurement

    "I calculate that this job will take another two days to finish"

    similar: call, conjecture, estimate, figure, gauge, guess, judge, make, place, put, reckon, suppose
    related: conclude, deduce, extrapolate, gather, infer, reason, understand
    near: calibrate, measure, scale, compute, work out

  3. to work out the details of (something) in advance

    "calculated the best route to take to the coast"

    similar: arrange, blueprint, budget, chart, choreograph, design, frame, lay out, map (out), organize, plan, prepare, project, scheme (out), shape, strategize (about)
    related: conspire, contrive, devise, intrigue, machinate, plot, put up, concert, get up, draft, outline, sketch, aim, figure, have on, intend, mean, contemplate, meditate, premeditate

  4. to have in mind as a purpose or goal

    "I calculate to run a marathon from start to finish—even if it kills me"

    similar: aim, allow (chiefly Southern & Midland), aspire, contemplate, design, go (chiefly Southern & Midland), intend, look, mean, meditate, plan, propose, purport, purpose, figure on
    related: dream, hope, wish, consider, debate, mull (over), ponder, attempt, endeavor, strive, struggle, try, plot, scheme, accomplish, achieve, effect, execute, perform

  5. to place reliance or trust

    "we know we can calculate on you following through, whatever the assignment"

    similar: count, depend, lean, reckon, rely, bank on, call on, figure on, look to, stand on
    related: commit, confide, entrust, trust
    near: distrust, mistrust, question, suspect

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Calculate

The most common words with a similar meaning to Calculate:

Chiefly Southern & Midland: allow, go
cipher, compute, figure, reckon, work out, call, conjecture, estimate, gauge, guess, judge, make, place, put, suppose, arrange, blueprint, budget, chart, choreograph, design, frame, lay out, map (out), organize, plan, prepare, project, scheme (out), shape, strategize (about), aim, aspire, contemplate, intend, look, mean, meditate, propose, purport

Related Words for Calculate

add up, average, sum, tally, total, totalize, add, divide, multiply, subtract, allow (for), deduct, factor (in or into or out), figure in, figure out, solve (for), itemize, number, calibrate, measure, scale, appraise, assess, evaluate, rate, value, recalculate, recompute, refigure, conclude

Near Antonyms of Calculate

calibrate, measure, scale, compute, work out, distrust, mistrust, question, suspect

Word Forms of Calculate

Inflections: calculated, calculating

Origin & Etymology of Calculate

borrowed from Late Latin calculātus, past participle of calculāre "to count, reckon, compute," derivative of Latin calculus "pebble, pebble used for calculating on a counting board, method or result of calculation" calculus

First known use: 1542t

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Calculate

Frequently Asked Questions about Calculate

What does "Calculate" mean?

"Calculate" means to determine by mathematical processes. As a verb, it is defined as: to determine by mathematical processes. It has 5 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Calculate"?

Other words for "Calculate" include cipher, compute, figure, reckon, work out, call, conjecture and estimate. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Calculate" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Calculate"?

There are 124 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Calculate". Common alternatives include cipher, compute, figure, reckon, work out, call, conjecture, estimate, gauge and guess.

How do you use "Calculate" in a sentence?

Examples of "Calculate" in a sentence: "the family has been calculating what a week at the beach resort would end up costing"; "I calculate that this job will take another two days to finish"; "calculated the best route to take to the coast".

Is "Calculate" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Calculate" is a verb.

Is "Calculate" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B1-level word, "Calculate" is typical of Cambridge B1 Preliminary (PET), IELTS band 4.0–5.0, TOEFL iBT 42–71, PTE Academic 43–58, TOEIC Listening & Reading 550+.

How do you pronounce "Calculate"?

"Calculate" is pronounced /ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt/ and divided into syllables as cal·cu·late.

What is the origin of the word "Calculate"?

"Calculate" comes from borrowed from Late Latin calculātus, past participle of calculāre "to count, reckon, compute," derivative of Latin calculus "pebble, pebble used for calculating on a counting board, method or result of calculation" calculus. First known use: 1542t.