Calculate

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈkælkjʊleɪt/

Definitions

1. To determine a numerical result by performing mathematical operations or logical reasoning on given information
2. To ascertain a numerical value by applying arithmetic processes or logical analysis on specified data
3. To find a quantitative answer through the execution of mathematical methods or reasoning on available information

Etymology: The most striking thing about "calculate" is that its original meaning was physical: the Romans reckoned with pebbles. The Latin "calculus" meant "a pebble," and it came from "calx," meaning limestone, the stone that gave its name to the diminutive form. Counting by moving small stones across a board or a counting table was a common practice, and "calculō" meant to reckon or compute by that method. English borrowed the word from the past participle of that Latin verb, "calculātus," with the sense of working something out numerically. Over time the stone-based sense faded and the word settled into the abstract meaning of finding a number or answer by mathematical means that it carries today.

Synonyms: compute, reckon, count, figure, evaluate

Antonyms: estimate, guess