v. cal·cu·lat·ed, cal·cu·lat·ing, cal·cu·lates
1. To ascertain by computation; reckon: calculating the area of a circle; calculated their probable time of arrival.
2. To make an estimate of; evaluate: calculating the team's chances of winning.
3. To make for a deliberate purpose; design: a sturdy car that is calculated to last for years; a choice that was calculated to please.
4. also cal'late (kălāt′, -lāt′) Chiefly New England
a. To suppose: "I cal'late she's a right smart cook" (Dialect Notes).
b. To plan, intend, or depend on.
1. To perform a mathematical process; figure: We must measure and calculate to determine how much paint will be needed.
2. Chiefly New England
a. To suppose; guess.
b. To count, depend, or rely on someone or something: We're calculating on your help.
[Late Latin calculāre, calculāt-, from Latin calculus, small stone used in reckoning, diminutive of calx, calc-, small stone for gaming; see CALX.]
calcu·la′tive (-lā′tĭv, -lə-tĭv) adj.
Synonyms: calculate, compute, reckon, figure
These verbs refer to the use of mathematical methods to determine a result. Calculate, the most comprehensive, often implies a relatively high level of abstraction or procedural complexity: calculated the average test score for each class; calculated the comet's orbit from a series of observed positions. Compute applies to possibly lengthy arithmetic operations; like calculate, it may imply the use of a mechanical or electronic device: data used in computing the gross national product; computed a value for each of the variables. Reckon and figure suggest the use of simple arithmetic: reckoned the number of hours before her departure; trying to figure my share of the bill.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition copyright ©2018 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Indo-European & Semitic Roots Appendices
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The Indo-European appendix covers nearly half of the Indo-European roots that have left their mark on English words. A more complete treatment of Indo-European roots and the English words derived from them is available in our Dictionary of Indo-European Roots.