calculate

[ kal-kyuh-leyt ]
/ ˈkæl kyəˌleɪt /

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.
  1. to think; guess.
  2. 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.

Origin of calculate

1560–70; < Late Latin calculātus reckoned (past participle of calculāre), equivalent to calculus pebble (see calculus) + -ātus -ate1

OTHER WORDS FROM calculate

pre·cal·cu·late, verb (used with object), pre·cal·cu·lat·ed, pre·cal·cu·lat·ing.

Example sentences from the Web for calculate

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; aim the 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
  1. to suppose; think
  2. to intend (to do something)

Derived forms of calculate

calculative (ˈkælkjʊlətɪv), adjective

Word Origin for calculate

C16: from Late Latin calculāre, from calculus pebble used as a counter; see calculus