Calculate
/ˈkælkjuleɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsTo perform a mathematical operation to find an answer.
/ˈkælkjuleɪt/
To determine (something) mathematically.
Calculate the total cost of the project.
💡 Simply: To work out the answer using numbers.
More Examples
I need to calculate the distance before I start driving.
How It's Used
"We need to calculate the area of the triangle."
"The accountant calculated the company's profits."
To make a judgment or prediction based on available information.
/ˈkælkjuleɪt/
To predict or estimate something.
She calculated that she would finish by noon.
💡 Simply: To figure out something that's likely to happen.
More Examples
They carefully calculated the impact of the decision.
How It's Used
"He calculated the risks before investing."
From Latin *calculāre*, from *calculus* "small stone", referring to the use of stones for counting.
The word's original meaning relates to using stones for counting, reflecting its origins in the Roman abacus.
Memory tip
Think of a calculator; it helps you calculate.