Calculating: meaning, definitions and examples

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calculating

[ˈkælkyəˌleɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

mathematics

Determine (the amount or number of something) mathematically.

Synonyms

compute, estimate, reckon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "calculating" in other languages:

🇵🇹 calculando

🇮🇳 गणना करना

🇩🇪 berechnend

🇮🇩 menghitung

🇺🇦 обчислення

🇵🇱 obliczanie

🇯🇵 計算している

🇫🇷 calculant

🇪🇸 calculando

🇹🇷 hesaplama

🇰🇷 계산 중

🇸🇦 حساب

🇨🇿 počítání

🇸🇰 počítanie

🇨🇳 计算中

🇸🇮 izračunavanje

🇮🇸 reikna

🇰🇿 есептеу

🇬🇪 ანგარიშება

🇦🇿 hesablama

🇲🇽 calculando

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.

...
6077 characterization
6078 agreeable
6079 coordinates
6080 calculating
6081 heights
6082 governance
6083 undergo
...