calculation
/ˌkælkjuˈleɪʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌkælkjuˈleɪʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌkal-kyə-ˈlā-shən/ (ame, mw)
calculation — noun
1. working with numbers through addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division
working with numbers through addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division to find a total or amount
The engineer double-checked every calculation before approving the bridge design.
collocation: double-check a calculation
A quick calculation showed that they would need 24 chairs for the wedding.
adjective + calculation: quick calculation
Her calculation of the total cost was accurate to the last dollar.
All calculations must be written down so the teacher can follow your reasoning.
There is an error in the calculation of the monthly interest on this loan.
- computation
more formal and technical, used in scientific or academic contexts
- arithmetic
refers to the branch of math itself, not a single act of finding an answer
- sum
simpler; usually refers to adding numbers, not multi-step processes
用法筆記
Can be countable (a specific arithmetic operation or its result) or uncountable (the process in general). 'do/make a calculation' is the most common verb pairing.
常見錯誤
2. a judgement about what will probably happen based on the available information a
a judgement about what will probably happen based on the available information and experience, not on exact numbers
My calculation was that the train would arrive within ten minutes of the scheduled time.
uncountable: my calculation [that-clause]
The coach's calculation about the other team's tactics proved correct.
By any calculation, hosting the event would cost more than it raised in ticket sales.
Their calculation of voter turnout was off by nearly 15 percent.
Political analysts made a calculation that the tax law would affect middle-class families most.
- assessment
more formal; emphasizes careful evaluation rather than numerical logic
- estimate
focuses on approximate value rather than predicted outcome; more numerical
- judgement
broader; less analytical, more intuitive than calculation
用法筆記
Distinguish from sense 1 (NUMBERS): sense 2 involves judgement and prediction, not arithmetic. Can be used with 'that'-clauses to state what the judgement was.
常見錯誤
3. careful, cold-hearted planning intended only to benefit oneself, often at the ex
careful, cold-hearted planning intended only to benefit oneself, often at the expense of honesty or other people
There was no warmth in his offer, only cold calculation about what he could gain.
collocation: cold calculation
Her decision to volunteer seemed kind, but everyone suspected pure calculation behind it.
Political calculation, not genuine concern, drove the senator to support that bill.
The novelist portrayed the CEO as a man of calculation who viewed employees as tools.
Bare calculation guided every move the corporation made toward its competitors.
- scheming
more active and dishonest; suggests secret plots rather than detached calculation
- manipulation
focuses on controlling people, not just planning for personal gain
- spontaneity
acting on impulse without self-serving planning
- selflessness
acting for others, not for personal benefit
用法筆記
Uncountable only. Always carries a negative or critical tone. Frequently paired with adjectives like 'cold', 'bare', 'pure', or 'political'. Not used for neutral or positive planning.