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Webster 1913 Edition

Calculate

Cal′cu-late

,
Verb.
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.
Shakespeare
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.
Syn. – To compute; reckon; count; estimate; rate.
–
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.

Cal′cu-late

,
Verb.
I.
To make a calculation; to forecast consequences; to estimate; to compute.
The strong passions, whether good or bad, never
calculate
.
F. W. Robertson.

Webster 1828 Edition

Calculate

CALCULATE

,
Verb.
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, &c.
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

,
Verb.
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.

Definition 2024

calculate

calculate

English

Papers and electronic calculators are common tools for calculation.

Verb

calculate ‎(third-person singular simple present calculates, present participle calculating, simple past and past participle calculated)

  1. (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.‎
  2. (intransitive, mathematics) To determine values or solutions by a mathematical process; reckon.
  3. (intransitive, US, dialect) To plan; to expect; to think.
    • 1913, Joseph C. Lincoln, chapter 1, in Mr. Pratt's Patients:
      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.
  4. 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.
    to calculate or cast one's nativity‎
  5. To adjust for purpose; to adapt by forethought or calculation; to fit or prepare by the adaptation of means to an end.
    • Archbishop Tillotson
      [Religion] is […] calculated for our benefit.
    to calculate a system of laws for the government and protection of a free people‎

Synonyms

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations

External links

  • calculate in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
  • calculate in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911

Latin

Verb

calculāte

  1. second-person plural present active imperative of calculō
    1. "calculate ye, compute ye"
    2. (figuratively) "consider ye as, esteem ye"

Participle

calculāte

  1. vocative masculine singular of calculātus

Etymology

From Latin calculātus, perfect passive participle of calculō ‎(“I reckon, originally by means of pebbles”), from calculus ‎(“a pebble”).

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈkælkjʊleɪt/, /ˈkælkjəleɪt/
  • Hyphenation: cal‧cu‧late

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