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 campaign was calculated to have a political effect - (intr; followed by on or upon)
to depend; rely - (tr; may take a clause as object)
to suppose; think
WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2026
cal•cu•late /ˈkælkyəˌleɪt/USA pronunciation
v., -lat•ed, -lat•ing.
WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2026- Mathematicsto 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. - 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. - to be made suitable for a purpose:[be + ~-ed + to + verb]racist remarks calculated to get a lot of coverage from the media.
cal•cu•late
(kal′kyə lāt′),USA pronunciation v., -lat•ed, -lat•ing.
v.t.
v.i.
v.t.
- Mathematicsto 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. - Dialect Terms[Chiefly Northern U.S.]
- to think;
guess. - to intend;
plan.
- to think;
v.i.
- to make a computation or form an estimate.
- 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
- 1.See corresponding entry in Unabridged count, figure, cast.
- 3.See corresponding entry in Unabridged design, plan, intend, mean.
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