calculate

UK: /ˈkælkjʊleɪt/ US: /ˈkælkjəˌleɪt/ ,(kal′kyə lāt′)

Inflections of 'calculate' (v): (⇒ conjugate)

calculates

v 3rd person singular

calculating

v pres p

calculated

v past

calculated

v past p

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

cal•cu•late /ˈkælkyəˌleɪt/   v., -lat•ed, -lat•ing. 

1. Mathematics to determine (something) by using mathematical methods;
   compute: [no object]
   She calculated in her head a moment.
   [~ + object]
   The students tried to calculate the speed of the train.
   [~ + (that) clause]
   They calculated that fifty-two shelves would fill the room.
2. to arrive at an opinion by reasoning or practical experience;
   estimate: [~ + object]
   First, calculate the effects of firing your workers.
   [~ + clause]
   We can't begin to calculate what he will do next.
3. to be made suitable for a purpose:
   [be + ~-ed + to + verb] racist remarks calculated to get a lot of coverage from the media.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

cal•cu•late  (kal′kyə lāt′), v., -lat•ed, -lat•ing. 
v.t. 

1. Mathematics to determine or ascertain by mathematical methods;
   compute:
   to calculate the velocity of light.
2. to determine by reasoning, common sense, or practical experience;
   estimate;
   evaluate;
   gauge.
3. to make suitable or fit for a purpose;
   adapt (usually used passively and with an infinitive):
   His remarks were calculated to inspire our confidence.
4. Dialect Terms [Chiefly Northern U.S.]
   • to think;
     guess.
   • to intend;
     plan.

v.i. 

5. to make a computation or form an estimate.
6. to count or rely (usually fol. by on or upon):
   They calculated on good weather.

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

Synonyms

• 1. count, figure, cast.
• 3. design, plan, intend, mean.

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

calculate / ˈkælkjʊˌleɪt/ verb

1. to solve (one or more problems) by a mathematical procedure; compute
2. (tr; may take a clause as object) to determine beforehand by judgment, reasoning, etc; estimate
3. (tr; usually passive) to design specifically; aim: the campaign was calculated to have a political effect
4. (intr; followed by on or upon) to depend; rely
5. (tr; may take a clause as object) to suppose; think

Etymology: 16th Century: from Late Latin calculāre, from calculus pebble used as a counter; see calculus

calculative / ˈkælkjʊlətɪv/ adjective