Calculate: meaning, definitions and examples

Use in formal settings or technical contexts, especially in mathematics, engineering, and financial planning whenever you need precise results.

• The engineer needed to calculate the load-bearing capacity of the bridge.
• I need to calculate the total cost of our vacation.

Suits scientific, technical, or computer-related contexts when referring to the use of algorithms or detailed calculations.

• We must compute the trajectory of the satellite.
• The program can compute the results in milliseconds.

Use when you need to find out something efficiently, often in investigative or analytical contexts. It implies the act of figuring something out by examining data or evidence.

• The test aims to determine the student's reading level.
• The researchers worked to determine the cause of the outbreak.

Suitable when an approximate calculation or a rough guess is needed. Often used when exact data is unavailable.

• We estimate that the renovation will cost around $5,000.
• Can you estimate how many people will attend the event?

Informal contexts where problem-solving or understanding is required. Suitable for everyday conversations when trying to understand or solve something.

• I can't figure out how to use this new coffee machine.
• We need to figure out a way to reduce our expenses.

Used when referring to mathematical operations, precise measurements, or determining numbers.

• She needs to calculate the area of the room.
• You should calculate your budget before the trip.

Used when organizing or making arrangements for a future event or course of action.

• They plan to visit their grandparents next weekend.
• You should plan your day to be more productive.

Typically used in the context of developing a detailed plan or method to achieve a specific goal, often in business or competitive situations.

• The team needs to strategize to win the championship.
• We must strategize our marketing campaign to increase sales.

Refers to thinking carefully about something, especially when making a decision.

• She had to consider all the options before making a decision.
• Did you consider the risks involved?

Used when considering the relative importance, fairness or value of different things, often involving decision-making.

• You need to weigh the pros and cons before investing.
• They weigh their options carefully before making a choice.

This word is used in a neutral or positive context when you need to find out something by using numbers or reasoning.

• I need to calculate my expenses for this month.
• She can easily calculate the area of the triangle.

This word is used negatively to describe someone who tries to control others to their own advantage, often in a deceptive way.

• She is very manipulative, always finding a way to get what she wants.
• His manipulative behavior made it hard for people to trust him.

‘Scheming’ is often used negatively to describe someone who is making secret plans to do something dishonest or illegal.

• The scheming villain plotted to take over the kingdom.
• Her scheming colleagues were constantly trying to undermine her.

This adjective is often used in a negative context to describe someone who is acting with careful thought to gain an advantage, often in a way that is not honest or fair.

• He is a calculating individual who always has a plan to outsmart others.
• Her calculating nature made her untrustworthy among her peers.

‘Cunning’ is primarily used negatively to describe someone who is clever in a way that is intended to deceive or trick others.

• The cunning fox managed to steal the chicken without being noticed.
• His cunning tactics in negotiations left everyone unsettled.