CALCULATE, v.t. 1. To compute; to reckon; to add, subtract, multiply or divide any sums, for the purpose of finding the amount, difference, or other result. This, to calculate the expenses of erecting a house, is to estimate and add together the several sums which each part of the materials and the work will cost. 2. To ascertain by the use of tables or numbers; as, to calculate an eclipse. 3. To form tables upon mathematical principles, as logarithms, ephemerides, etc. 4. To compute the situation of the planets at a certain time, for astrological purposes; as, to calculate the birth of a person. 5. To adjust by computation; to fit or prepare by the adaptation of the means to the end; as, to calculate a system of laws for a free people. Religion is calculated for our benefit. CALCULATE, v.i. To make a computation; as, we calculate better for ourselves than for others. In popular use, this word is often equivalent to intend or purpose, that is, to make arrangements, and form a plan; as, a man calculated to go a journey. This use of the word springs from the practice of computing or estimating the various circumstances which concur to influence the mind in forming its determinations.
verb (-lated; -lating) Etymology: Latin calculatus, past participle of calculare, from calculus pebble (used in reckoning), perhaps irregular diminutive of calc-, calx lime — more at chalkDate: 1570 transitive verb1.a. to determine by mathematical processes <calculate the rate of acceleration> b. to reckon by exercise of practical judgment ;estimate<calculate the likelihood of success> c. to solve or probe the meaning of ;figure out<trying to calculate his expression — Hugh MacLennan> 2. to design or adapt for a purpose <he carefully calculated the timing of his arrival for maximum impact> 3.a. to judge to be true or probable b.intend<I calculate to do it or perish in the attempt — Mark Twain> intransitive verb1.a. to make a calculation b. to forecast consequences 2.count, rely
v. 1 tr. ascertain or determine beforehand, esp. by mathematics or by reckoning. 2 tr. plan deliberately. 3 intr. (foll. by on, upon) rely on; make an essential part of one's reckoning (calculated on a quick response). 4 tr. US colloq. suppose, believe. Derivatives: calculative adj. Etymology: LL calculare (as CALCULUS)
Calculate Cal"cu*late, v. i. [imp. & p. p. Calculater; p. pr. & vb. n. Calculating.] [L, calculatus, p. p. of calculate, fr. calculus a pebble, a stone used in reckoning; hence, a reckoning, fr. calx, calcis, a stone used in gaming, limestone. See Calx.] 1. To ascertain or determine by mathematical processes, usually by the ordinary rules of arithmetic; to reckon up; to estimate; to compute. A calencar exacity calculated than any othe. --North. 2. To ascertain or predict by mathematical or astrological computations the time, circumstances, or other conditions of; to forecast or compute the character or consequences of; as, to calculate or cast one's nativity. A cunning man did calculate my birth. --Shak. 3. To adjust for purpose; to adapt by forethought or calculation; to fit or prepare by the adaptation of means to an end; as, to calculate a system of laws for the government and protection of a free people. [Religion] is . . . calculated for our benefit. --Abp. Tillotson. 4. To plan; to expect; to think. [Local, U. S.] Syn: To compute; reckon; count; estimate; rate. Usage: To Calculate, Compute. Reckon, Count. These words indicate the means by which we arrive at a given result in regard to quantity. We calculate with a view to obtain a certain point of knowledge; as, to calculate an eclipse. We compute by combining given numbers, in order to learn the grand result. We reckon and count in carrying out the details of a computation. These words are also used in a secondary and figurative sense. ``Calculate is rather a conjection from what is, as to what may be; computation is a rational estimate of what has been, from what is; reckoning is a conclusive conviction, a pleasing assurance that a thing will happen; counting indicates an expectation. We calculate on a gain; we compute any loss sustained, or the amount of any mischief done; we reckon on a promised pleasure; we count the hours and minutes until the time of enjoyment arrives'' --Crabb.
(calculates, calculating, calculated) 1. If you calculate a number or amount, you discover it from information that you already have, by using arithmetic, mathematics, or a special machine. From this you can calculate the total mass in the Galaxy...We calculate that the average size farm in Lancaster County is 65 acres...= work out VERB: V n, V that 2. If you calculate the effects of something, especially a possible course of action, you think about them in order to form an opinion or decide what to do. I believe I am capable of calculating the political consequences accurately...The President is calculating that this will somehow relieve the international pressure on him.VERB: V n, V that