CALCULATE.
Synonyms:
| account, | consider, | enumerate, | rate, |
| cast, | count, | estimate, | reckon, |
| compute, | deem, | number, | sum up. |
Number is the generic term. To count is to number one by one. To calculate is to use more complicated processes, as multiplication, division, etc., more rapid but not less exact. Compute allows more of the element of probability, which is still more strongly expressed by estimate. We compute the slain in a great war from the number known to have fallen in certain great battles; compute refers to the present or the past, estimate more frequently to the future; as, to estimate the cost of a proposed building. To enumerate is to mention item by item; as, to enumerate one's grievances. To rate is to estimate by comparison, as if the object were one of a series. We count upon a desired future; we do not count upon the undesired. As applied to the present, we reckon or count a thing precious or worthless. Compare [ESTEEM].
Prepositions:
It is vain to calculate on or upon an uncertain result.