different between calculate vs precalculate

English

Etymology

Borrowed from Latin calcul?tus, perfect passive participle of calcul? (“I reckon, originally by means of pebbles”), from calculus (“a pebble”). Refer to calculus for origin.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /?kælkj?le?t/, /?kælkj?le?t/
• Hyphenation: cal?cu?late

Verb

calculate (third-person singular simple present calculates, present participle calculating, simple past and past participle calculated)

1. (transitive, mathematics) To determine the value of something or the solution to something by a mathematical process.

2. (intransitive, mathematics) To determine values or solutions by a mathematical process; reckon.
3. (intransitive, US, dialect) To plan; to expect; to think.
4. To ascertain or predict by mathematical or astrological computations the time, circumstances, or other conditions of; to forecast or compute the character or consequences of.

5. To adjust for purpose; to adapt by forethought or calculation; to fit or prepare by the adaptation of means to an end.
   • a. 1694, John Tillotson, The Advantages of Religion to particular Persons

     [Religion] is […] calculated for our benefit.

Conjugation

Synonyms

• (determine value of or solution to): compute, reckon (old), work out
• (determine values or solutions): compute, reckon (old)

Derived terms

• backcalculate
• calculating

Related terms

• calculation
• calculus
• calculator
• incalculable

Translations

Further reading

• calculate in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913.
• calculate in The Century Dictionary, New York, N.Y.: The Century Co., 1911.
• Douglas Harper (2001–2021) , “calculate”, in Online Etymology Dictionary

Latin

Verb

calcul?te

1. second-person plural present active imperative of calcul?
   1. "calculate ye, compute ye"
   2. (figuratively) "consider ye as, esteem ye"

Participle

calcul?te

1. vocative masculine singular of calcul?tus

English

Etymology

pre- +? calculate

Verb

precalculate (third-person singular simple present precalculates, present participle precalculating, simple past and past participle precalculated)

1. To calculate in advance.

Synonyms

• forereckon