compute

/kəmˈpjut/
/kəmˈpjut/
IPA guide

Other forms: computing; computed; computes

When you solve a mathematical problem, you compute the answer. To compute is to calculate, either literally or figuratively.

Computers do the math for you, faster than humans ever can. You'll often hear someone say that something "does not compute." This means it doesn't add up, it doesn't make sense. You might compute how long it will take you to get to school or the likelihood that your mother will let you stay out late.

Definitions of compute
  1. verb
    make a mathematical calculation or computation
    synonyms: calculate, cipher, cypher, figure, reckon, work out
    work out
    be calculated
    see moresee less
    types:
    show 40 types...
    hide 40 types...
    quantise, quantize
    apply quantum theory to; restrict the number of possible values of (a quantity) or states of (a physical entity or system) so that certain variables can assume only certain discrete magnitudes that are integral multiples of a common factor
    extract
    calculate the root of a number
    process
    perform mathematical and logical operations on (data) according to programmed instructions in order to obtain the required information
    prorate
    divide or assess proportionally
    miscalculate, misestimate
    calculate incorrectly
    recalculate
    calculate anew
    average, average out
    compute the average of
    factor, factor in, factor out
    resolve into factors
    add, add together
    make an addition by combining numbers
    deduct, subtract, take off
    make a subtraction
    multiply
    combine by multiplication
    divide, fraction
    perform a division
    extrapolate, interpolate
    estimate the value of
    differentiate
    calculate a derivative; take the derivative
    integrate
    calculate the integral of; calculate by integration
    survey
    plot a map of (land)
    approximate, estimate, gauge, guess, judge
    judge tentatively or form an estimate of (quantities or time)
    budget
    make a budget
    capitalise, capitalize
    compute the present value of a business or an income
    resolve, solve
    find the solution
    square
    raise to the second power
    cube
    raise to the third power
    foot, foot up
    add a column of numbers
    carry back
    deduct a loss or an unused credit from taxable income for a prior period
    raise
    multiply (a number) by itself a specified number of times: 8 is 2 raised to the power 3
    halve
    divide by two; divide into halves
    quarter
    divide by four; divide into quarters
    triangulate
    survey by triangulation
    quantise, quantize
    approximate (a signal varying continuously in amplitude) by one whose amplitude is restricted to a prescribed set of discrete values
    misgauge
    gauge something incorrectly or improperly
    place, put, set
    estimate
    give
    estimate the duration or outcome of something
    lowball, underestimate
    make a deliberately low estimate
    assess
    estimate the value of (property) for taxation
    make
    calculate as being
    count, reckon
    take account of
    overcapitalise, overcapitalize
    estimate the capital value of (a company) at an unreasonably or unlawfully high level
    factorise, factorize
    resolve (a polynomial) into factors
    truncate
    approximate by ignoring all terms beyond a chosen one
    guesstimate
    estimate based on a calculation
    type of:
    reason
    think logically
Cite this entry
Style:
MLA
  • MLA
  • APA
  • Chicago

Copy citation
DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘compute'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Vocabulary.com or its editors. Send us feedback
Word Family

Vocabulary lists containing compute

view more about the vocabulary list
Academic Vocabulary: Core Tier 2 Words, List 4

These essential, high-frequency words will put you on the path to vocabulary success. Simply start a practice session, and you'll be on your way to stronger reading, writing, and speaking skills!

The Number System

There's safety in numbers, so be sure to review these words related to the number system. Learn about fractions and decimals, common factors and multiples, the coordinate system, and types of numbers, including integers, whole numbers, rational numbers, and more. We're positive that this list has great value!

Number and Operations: Fractions

These words have a common denominator — they're all about fractions. Practice this list and review arithmetic operations, decimals, and the difference between a numerator and a denominator.

MORE VOCABULARY LISTS