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Compute: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ–ฉ
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compute

 

[kษ™mหˆpjuหt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

mathematics

To determine by calculation; reckon; calculate.

Synonyms

calculate, determine, evaluate.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compute

Typically used in technical or scientific contexts, where precise mathematical operations or algorithms are involved.

  • Engineers need to compute the stress on the bridge under various conditions.
  • The program will compute the shortest path between the two points.
calculate

Commonly used in everyday situations, academic contexts, or simple mathematical tasks.

  • We need to calculate the total cost of our groceries.
  • He calculated his monthly expenses to budget better.
determine

Used when finding out something through investigation, analysis, or calculation. Often involves discovering a fact or reaching a decision.

  • The scientist will determine the chemical composition of the unknown substance.
  • We need to determine the best course of action for the project.
evaluate

Used when assessing or appraising the value, significance, or condition of something. It often involves critical thinking and judgment.

  • The teacher will evaluate the students' essays based on several criteria.
  • Before making a decision, we need to evaluate all potential outcomes.

Examples of usage

  • We need to compute the total cost of the project.
  • Can you compute the square root of 64?
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A calculation or reckoning.

Synonyms

calculation, estimate, reckoning.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
compute

Use this word when referring to mathematical or logical operations done typically by a machine or in a precise manner.

  • The software can compute the results in just a few seconds.
  • Scientists need to compute the trajectory of the spacecraft.
calculation

This word is suitable for general arithmetic operations or when assessing risk, cost, or other quantifiable values. It can also imply thorough thought and consideration.

  • After much calculation, they decided the project was too expensive.
  • He made a quick calculation and realized he needed more money.
reckoning

Use this term when referring to a more informal or subjective calculation, often used in the context of a judgment or opinion. It carries slightly old-fashioned or dramatic connotations.

  • By my reckoning, we should reach the top of the mountain by noon.
  • The day's reckoning was that the plan was too risky.
estimate

This word is appropriate when a rough or approximate value, size, or cost is being given without exact data.

  • Can you estimate how much this will all cost?
  • They estimated the time of arrival to be around 3 PM.

Examples of usage

  • The compute for the budget is ready.
  • Let me do the compute for the expenses.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Latin 'computare,' which means 'to count or calculate,' combining 'com-' (together) and 'putare' (to reckon).
  • It was first recorded in English during the 14th century, reflecting the mathematical practice of the time.
  • Originally, the term was used in contexts related strictly to mathematical calculations before evolving to include more general problem-solving.

Technology

  • The development of early computing machines in the 1940s, like the ENIAC, revolutionized the way calculations were performed, leading to modern computers.
  • Today, computing power is critical for complex problems in various fields, including finance, engineering, and scientific research.
  • The concept of cloud computing allows users to access computation through the internet, enabling powerful processing without owning hardware.

Psychology

  • Computational thinking aligns with problem-solving skills, encouraging individuals to break down large problems into manageable parts.
  • Cognitive scientists study how the human brain computes information and makes decisions, revealing parallels with computer algorithms.
  • Research shows that learning computation can improve logical reasoning and analytical skills in children.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Imitation Game' showcase the historical significance of computing in code-breaking during World War II.
  • The phrase 'computer geek' emerged to describe enthusiasts in technology and programming, highlighting a cultural shift around computing.
  • Video games often rely on complex computations behind the scenes to create realistic graphics and physics, making them popular entertainment.

Literature

  • Literary works often reference computation as a metaphor for logical thought and structured reasoning, such as in science fiction stories.
  • Authors like Isaac Asimov explored the themes of artificial intelligence and computing in his stories, raising questions about future technology.
  • Mathematical concepts and computation appear in poetry and prose, illustrating the intersection of art and science.

Translations

Translations of the word "compute" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น calcular

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคฃเคจเคพ เค•เคฐเคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช berechnen

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ menghitung

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะพะฑั‡ะธัะปัŽะฒะฐั‚ะธ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ obliczaฤ‡

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ่จˆ็ฎ—ใ™ใ‚‹ (keisan suru)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท calculer

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ calcular

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท hesaplamak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๊ณ„์‚ฐํ•˜๋‹ค (gyesanhada)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญุณุงุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ poฤรญtat

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ poฤรญtaลฅ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ่ฎก็ฎ— (jรฌsuร n)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ izraฤunati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ reikna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะตัะตะฟั‚ะตัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ’แƒแƒ›แƒแƒ—แƒ•แƒšแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hesablamaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ calcular

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,206 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.