calculate

/ˈkælkjuleɪt/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈkælkjuleɪt/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈkal-kyə-ˌlāt/ (ame, mw)

calculate — verb

1. to find a total, size, distance, or other figure by doing math with the numbers

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B2
釋義

to find a total, size, distance, or other figure by doing math with the numbers or facts you have.

例句

Bao calculated the cost of the trip before booking the train tickets.

calculate + cost/amount

The phone app calculates the taxi fare from the airport to town.

同義詞
  • work out

    the usual everyday choice for finding a number by thinking or doing math

  • compute

    more formal or technical, especially in science or computing

  • total

    used when the focus is adding amounts to get a final sum

文法句型

calculate + noun

calculate how much / how many / what

calculate that + clause

用法筆記

Common objects are costs, totals, distances, times, and weights. Unlike sense 2, this sense aims at a figure worked out from numbers rather than a reasoned guess about a situation.

常見錯誤

❌We calculated about the price before dinner.
✅We calculated the price before dinner.
💡'calculate' takes a direct object here, not 'about'.
❌The app calculated us how far the beach is.
✅The app calculated how far the beach is.
💡use a clause after 'calculate', not an indirect object.

2. to decide from the facts you have what is probably true or likely to happen.

2.動詞及物 / 不及物C1
釋義

to decide from the facts you have what is probably true or likely to happen.

例句

From the empty shelves, Leila calculated that the cafe had already closed.

calculate that + clause from clues

After two warning letters, Ines calculated there was real danger of losing her job.

同義詞
  • estimate

    close in meaning, especially when the answer is not exact

  • judge

    broader and less tied to weighing facts step by step

  • reckon

    common in British English for a personal judgment or expectation

  • predict

    focuses more strongly on what will happen in the future

文法句型

calculate that + clause

calculate how much / how many / what

calculate + clause expressing a likely result

用法筆記

Often followed by a full clause stating the judgment. Distinguish from sense 1: here the result is an informed estimate or conclusion, not an exact numerical answer.

常見錯誤

❌Mina calculated to be a storm by night.
✅Mina calculated that there would be a storm by night.
💡this sense usually takes a clause, not 'to + verb'.
❌The coach calculated for the team to win easily.
✅The coach calculated that the team would win easily.
💡use a statement clause after 'calculate' when reporting your judgment.

3. to be planned, shaped, or chosen so that it suits a certain use, group, or resul

3.動詞及物C2
釋義

to be planned, shaped, or chosen so that it suits a certain use, group, or result.

例句

The museum labels are calculated for visitors with weak eyesight.

be calculated for + group

The speech was calculated to calm angry parents at the meeting.

be calculated to + verb

同義詞
  • designed

    the most direct everyday equivalent

  • intended

    focuses on the purpose someone has in mind

  • tailored

    suggests careful adjustment for a particular group or need

文法句型

be calculated to + verb

be calculated for + noun

用法筆記

Mostly seen in formal writing and usually in the passive: something is 'calculated to' produce an effect or 'calculated for' a group. Distinguish from sense 2, where no one is deliberately shaping the thing described.

常見錯誤

❌The notice was calculated for warn drivers.
✅The notice was calculated to warn drivers.
💡use 'to + verb' when naming the intended effect.
❌This game calculates children under six.
✅This game is calculated for children under six.
💡this sense is usually passive and shows the target group with 'for'.