compute

/kəmˈpjuːt/ (bre, ipa) · /kəmˈpjuːt/ (ame, ipa) · /kəm-ˈpyüt/ (ame, mw)

compute — verb

  • computepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • computeshe / she / it
  • computedpast simple
  • computing-ing form

1. to use a computer or other electronic device to work out a number, amount, or ma

1.動詞及物 / 不及物B1
釋義

to use a computer or other electronic device to work out a number, amount, or mathematical result.

例句

Rachid used a spreadsheet to compute the total sales for last quarter.

transitive: compute + noun phrase (total)

Aoi asked the calculator app to compute the average of her test scores.

同義詞
  • calculate

    broader term; can be done mentally or on paper, not limited to machine use

  • reckon

    more informal and often suggests estimation rather than exact calculation

  • figure out

    phrasal verb; less formal and may involve problem-solving beyond pure arithmetic

反義詞
  • estimate

    to give an approximate value rather than an exact computed one

  • guess

    to form an opinion without using data or calculation

文法句型

compute + noun phrase (the cost, the total, the distance)

compute + wh-clause (how much, whether, what)

be computed from + noun phrase

用法筆記

Unlike the simpler verb 'calculate,' which covers both mental and machine-aided arithmetic, 'compute' in modern English strongly implies the use of a computer, calculator, or other device.

常見錯誤

❌She computed the tip in her head without looking at her phone.
✅She worked out the tip in her head without looking at her phone.
💡'Compute' usually refers to using a machine or device, not mental arithmetic.

2. to be logically consistent or understandable within a given set of facts or a si

2.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to be logically consistent or understandable within a given set of facts or a situation.

例句

Mert's story did not compute with the location data from his phone.

negative: story / explanation / timeline + does not compute

Sana checked the numbers three times, but they still did not compute.

同義詞
  • add up

    phrasal verb with the same idiomatic meaning; also usually used in negative ('does not add up')

  • make sense

    more neutral and common in both affirmative and negative; not limited to informal contexts

  • hold water

    idiom meaning the same thing; also typically used in negative ('does not hold water')

文法句型

subject + does not compute

subject + does not compute with + noun phrase

subject + will not compute

用法筆記

Almost always appears in negative constructions ('does not compute,' 'did not compute') or occasionally in questions ('does it compute?'). Affirmative use ('it computes') is extremely rare in this sense and sounds unnatural.

常見錯誤

❌His explanation computes with the evidence.
✅His explanation does not compute with the evidence.
💡This sense of 'compute' is almost always used in negative form.