Adjacent Words

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

CALCULATE, v.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, etc.
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, v.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.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

v
1: make a mathematical calculation or computation [syn: calculate, cipher, cypher, compute, work out, reckon, figure]
2: judge to be probable [syn: calculate, estimate, reckon, count on, figure, forecast]
3: keep an account of [syn: account, calculate]
4: predict in advance [syn: forecast, calculate]
5: specifically design a product, event, or activity for a certain public [syn: calculate, aim, direct]
6: have faith or confidence in; "you can count on me to help you any time"; "Look to your friends for support"; "You can bet on that!"; "Depend on your family in times of crisis" [syn: count, bet, depend, look, calculate, reckon]

Merriam Webster's

verb (-lated; -lating) Etymology: Latin calculatus, past participle of calculare, from calculus pebble (used in reckoning), perhaps irregular diminutive of calc-, calx lime — more at chalk Date: 1570 transitive verb 1. a. 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> 3. a. to judge to be true or probable b. intend <I calculate to do it or perish in the attempt — Mark Twain> intransitive verb 1. a. to make a calculation b. to forecast consequences 2. count, rely

Oxford Reference Dictionary

v. 1 tr. ascertain or determine beforehand, esp. by mathematics or by reckoning. 2 tr. plan deliberately. 3 intr. (foll. by on, upon) rely on; make an essential part of one's reckoning (calculated on a quick response). 4 tr. US colloq. suppose, believe. Derivatives: calculative adj. Etymology: LL calculare (as CALCULUS)

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Calculate Cal"cu*late, v. 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. --Shak. 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. 4. To plan; to expect; to think. [Local, U. S.] Syn: To compute; reckon; count; estimate; rate. Usage: 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.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Calculate Cal"cu*late, v. i. To make a calculation; to forecast consequences; to estimate; to compute. The strong passions, whether good or bad, never calculate. --F. W. Robertson.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

(calculates, calculating, calculated) 1. If you calculate a number or amount, you discover it from information that you already have, by using arithmetic, mathematics, or a special machine. From this you can calculate the total mass in the Galaxy... We calculate that the average size farm in Lancaster County is 65 acres... = work out VERB: V n, V that 2. If you calculate the effects of something, especially a possible course of action, you think about them in order to form an opinion or decide what to do. I believe I am capable of calculating the political consequences accurately... The President is calculating that this will somehow relieve the international pressure on him. VERB: V n, V that

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

I. v. a. 1. Compute, reckon, estimate, count, rate, cast. 2. Adjust, adapt, fit, suit. II. v. n. Tell, estimate, make a calculation, make a computation, cast accounts.

Moby Thesaurus

add, add up, algebraize, appraise, appreciate, arrange, ascertain, assay, assess, bank on, build on, calibrate, caliper, cast, check a parameter, cipher, compute, concert, consider, contrive, count, count on, cut out, depend, design, determine, devise, dial, discover, divide, dope out, estimate, evaluate, extract roots, fathom, figure, figure in, figure out, forecast, forethink, frame, gauge, graduate, intend, lay plans, lot, make a projection, make arrangements, measure, mensurate, mete, meter, methodize, multiply, organize, pace, plan, plan ahead, plot, plumb, prearrange, premeditate, preresolve, price, prize, probe, program, project, quantify, quantize, rate, rationalize, reckon, reckon on, schedule, schematize, scheme, score, set up, shape, size, size up, sound, span, step, study, subtract, survey, systematize, take a reading, take account of, tally, triangulate, trust in, valuate, value, weigh, work out, work out beforehand, work up