Calculate
Pronunciation
- IPA: /ˈkæɫkjuËleɪt/
Origin
From Latin calculÄtus, perfect passive participle of calculÅ ("I reckon, originally by means of pebbles"), from calculus ("a pebble").
Full definition of calculate
Verb
- (transitive, mathematics) To determine the value of something or the solution to something by a mathematical process.Calculate the square root of 3 to 10 decimal places.
- (intransitive, mathematics) To determine values or solutions by a mathematical process; reckon.
- (intransitive, US, dialect) To plan; to expect; to think.
- 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, Mr. Pratt's Patients Chapter 1, I stumbled along through the young pines and huckleberry bushes. Pretty soon I struck into a sort of path that, I cal'lated, might lead to the road I was hunting for. It twisted and turned, and, the first thing I knew, made a sudden bend around a bunch of bayberry scrub and opened out into a big clear space like a lawn.
- 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.
- William ShakespeareA cunning man did calculate my birth.
- to calculate or cast one's nativity
- To adjust for purpose; to adapt by forethought or calculation; to fit or prepare by the adaptation of means to an end.
- Archbishop TillotsonReligion is ... calculated for our benefit.
- to calculate a system of laws for the government and protection of a free people