Calculating Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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calculating

[หˆkรฆlkyษ™หŒleษชtษชล‹ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

Determine (the amount or number of something) mathematically.

Synonyms

compute, estimate, reckon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compute

Similar to calculate, but often involves the process of mathematical or logical operations, typically with machines or computers.

  • The software can quickly compute the best route for delivery.
  • The engineers need to compute the load that the bridge can handle.
reckon

Typically used in informal contexts to suggest a close but not exact calculation or judgment. It can also have a casual tone.

  • I reckon it will take about an hour to finish this work.
  • Do you reckon we have enough time to catch the train?
estimate

When you give an approximate value based on judgment or rough calculations rather than precise measurements.

  • Can you estimate the number of people attending the event?
  • They need to estimate the cost before starting the construction.

Examples of usage

  • The computer can calculate the number of miles between two cities in seconds.
  • She calculated the cost of the project to be around $5000.
Context #2 | Verb

planning

Plan for or predict (a future event or situation).

Synonyms

anticipate, forecast, project.

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Word Description / Examples
calculating

To describe someone who is very strategic and often manipulative. It usually has a negative connotation.

  • She was known for her calculating nature, always thinking three steps ahead.
  • His calculating behavior made it hard to trust him.
forecast

To describe the act of predicting future events, typically with data and analysis. Commonly used for weather, business, and economics.

  • The weather forecast predicts rain for tomorrow.
  • Experts forecast a significant increase in market demand.
anticipate

To describe the act of expecting or looking forward to something that will happen in the future.

  • They anticipate the arrival of their guests with excitement.
  • I didn't anticipate such strong opposition.
project

To predict or estimate something in the future based on present data or trends, often used in business and finance.

  • They project a 10% growth in sales next quarter.
  • The firm's projected earnings for next year are promising.

Examples of usage

  • We need to calculate our budget for next year.
  • He calculated that the project would take three months to complete.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A particular calculation or result.

Synonyms

computation, estimation.

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Word Description / Examples
calculating

Used when someone is being strategic or scheming, often with a negative connotation. It suggests that the person is carefully planning for their own advantage.

  • Her calculating nature made everyone wary of her true intentions.
  • He gave her a calculating look, weighing his options.
computation

Emphasizes the use of computers or mathematical techniques, especially in scientific or technical fields. It's often used in a more formal or technical context than 'calculation'.

  • The scientist used computation to analyze the data.
  • High-performance computation is essential for modern research.
estimation

Used when making a rough calculation or judgment without precise data. It is common in everyday situations or preliminary analyses.

  • My estimation is that the project will take about a month to complete.
  • The engineer gave a rough estimation of the repair costs.

Examples of usage

  • The final calculation showed a profit of $1000.
  • Her calculations were accurate and precise.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychological terms, calculating behavior often relates to strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
  • People described as calculating can sometimes be seen as being manipulative, focusing on their own advantage in social situations.
  • Cognitive psychology highlights the importance of analytical thinking, which is integral to effective calculating.

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, calculating isn't just about getting answers; it's also about understanding the methods to reach those answers.
  • The evolution of calculating tools, from abacuses to modern graphic calculators, shows how society has advanced in numerical analysis.
  • Calculating skills are foundational in various fields, including finance, engineering, and computer science.

Pop Culture

  • 'Calculating' characters often appear in movies and books, seen as clever strategists or sometimes villainous figures who assess situations before acting.
  • In video games, calculating gameplay strategies can lead players to victory by outsmarting opponents.
  • Shows like 'Survivor' highlight calculating social strategies, where players must carefully plan alliances to win.

Technology

  • With the rise of artificial intelligence, calculating now includes algorithmic processes that analyze data more quickly than humans can.
  • Calculating apps and tools have revolutionized everyday tasks like budgeting, shopping, and planning, making them easier for everyone.
  • In computer science, 'calculating' refers to programming logic that allows machines to process information and make decisions.

Origin of 'calculating'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'calculating' comes from the Latin word 'calculare', which means to count.
  • Historically, the term was linked to counting stones ('calculi') used for making calculations, resembling today's calculator usage.
  • As language evolved, 'calculating' began to describe actions beyond mere counting, encompassing thoughtful planning.

The word 'calculate' originated from the Latin word 'calculatus', which means 'reckoned' or 'computed'. The concept of calculating has been essential to human civilization since ancient times, aiding in fields such as astronomy, engineering, and commerce. Over the centuries, advancements in mathematics and technology have further refined the art of calculation, leading to the sophisticated tools and methods we use today.


See also: calculable, calculated, calculatingly, calculation, calculations, calculator, calculus, incalculable, miscalculate, miscalculated.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,080 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.