computation

computation — noun

1. the action of working out a number, answer, or result by following a set of math

1.nounB2
Definition

the action of working out a number, answer, or result by following a set of mathematical or logical rules, often using a computer or other device

Example

Zuri's computation of the monthly budget took less than five minutes.

countable: computation + of + [what is computed]

The engineers checked the computation twice before sharing the result.

Common collocations
  • perform a computation
  • carry out a computation
  • complex computation
  • mathematical computation
  • rapid computation
  • computation by hand
  • computation of results
Synonyms
  • calculation

    more general; used for simple mental math as well as complex processes, while computation often implies a systematic or multi-step procedure

  • reckoning

    dated or formal; rarely used in modern contexts except in fixed phrases like 'day of reckoning'

  • arithmetic

    narrower in scope; refers specifically to basic operations on numbers, not the broader process

Grammar Patterns

computation + of + [what is computed]

perform/carry out + a computation

Usage Note

Often used in technical or academic contexts. Can be uncountable when referring to the general process ('computation is essential to modern science') or countable when referring to a single act or its result ('the three computations gave different answers'). More formal than calculation in everyday speech.

Common Mistakes

I did some quick computation in my head.
I did some quick calculation in my head.
Computation usually implies a systematic or machine-assisted process, not simple mental arithmetic.
The computer did a computation.
The computer performed a computation.
'Perform a computation' is the more natural verb + noun collocation in technical English.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

Computation and calculation both describe the process of working with numbers, but computation tends to imply a more systematic, multi-step, or machine-assisted procedure, while calculation can be as simple as adding two numbers in your head. Arithmetic is narrower, covering only the four basic operations (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) on numbers. Reckoning is an older, more formal term that survives mainly in idioms such as 'day of reckoning' or 'by my reckoning'. In technical fields, computation is preferred for computer-based work ('scientific computation'), whereas everyday contexts favour calculation ('check my calculation of the bill').

calculation ↗computation ↗reckoningarithmetic ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

  • computation power
  • computation method
  • computation time

Phrases

  • by computation
  • mode of computation

Prepositions

  • computation of
  • computation by

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Computation comes from Latin 'computare', formed from 'com-' (together) and 'putare' (to reckon, to think, or to prune). The verb 'compute' entered English in the 1600s from French 'computer'. Before the age of electronic computers, the word referred to any systematic counting or reckoning done by a person or a mechanical device.