# calculate

verb
cal·​cu·​late | \ ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt \
calculated; calculating

## Definition of calculate

1a : to determine by mathematical processes calculate the rate of acceleration
b : to reckon by exercise of practical judgment : estimate calculate the likelihood of success
c : to solve or probe the meaning of : figure out trying to calculate his expression— Hugh MacLennan
2 : to design or adapt for a purpose he carefully calculated the timing of his arrival for maximum impact
3a : to judge to be true or probable
b : intend I calculate to do it or perish in the attempt— Mark Twain
1a : to make a calculation
b : to forecast consequences
2

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## Examples of calculate in a Sentence

calculate the volume of a cylinder I need to calculate how long it will take me to drive to Chicago. We calculated the cost of new carpeting for the whole house. We need to calculate our chances of success before we invest more money in the business.
Recent Examples on the Web The Northern California earthquake was initially calculated as magnitude 4.1 before it was downgraded to 3.9. When the District 7 station was created, its response times were calculated separately from the District 4 data. Fines are calculated on a point system, where each conviction can earn up to three points. These projections were calculated by using the the last AP poll before the bowl games for each season from 1970 through 2013, then the playoff selection committee rankings in 2014-19. In the case of an artificially low bid, an alternative higher bid would be calculated and used in its stead. The Tories’ new prospectus is calculated to take advantage of a long-term shift in voters’ behaviour which predates the Brexit referendum. Pay, however, is calculated by county, based on population. PNECs are calculated by both drug companies and academic scientists.

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'calculate.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

## First Known Use of calculate

1542, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1a

## History and Etymology for calculate

Latin calculatus, past participle of calculare, from calculus pebble (used in reckoning), perhaps irregular diminutive of calc-, calx lime — more at chalk

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Time Traveler for calculate ## The first known use of calculate was in 1542

See more words from the same year

calculating

## Statistics for calculate

Last Updated

7 Jan 2020

Cite this Entry

“Calculate.” The Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster Inc., https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/calculate. Accessed 17 January 2020.

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More Definitions for calculate

calculate

verb

## English Language Learners Definition of calculate

: to find (a number, answer, etc.) by using mathematical processes
: to get a general idea about the value, size, or cost of (something)

calculate

verb
cal·​cu·​late | \ ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt \
calculated; calculating

## Kids Definition of calculate

1 : to find by adding, subtracting, multiplying, or dividing : compute calculate an average
2 : estimate entry 1 She calculated the risk.
3 : to plan by careful thought : intend Her remark was calculated to shock her listeners.

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More from Merriam-Webster on calculate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for calculate

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with calculate

Spanish Central: Translation of calculate

Britannica English: Translation of calculate for Arabic Speakers

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