computational

computational — adjective

1. relating to the process of using numbers, formulas, or step-by-step methods to f

1.adjectiveB2
Definition

relating to the process of using numbers, formulas, or step-by-step methods to find a result or answer

Example

The computational model showed how air moves through the building during a storm.

collocation: computational model

Diego performed a computational analysis of the data to find the average temperature.

collocation: computational analysis

Common collocations
  • computational model
  • computational analysis
  • computational method
  • computational approach
  • computational technique
Synonyms
  • numerical

    focuses on working with numbers, while computational includes logical and symbolic processing

  • mathematical

    broader — covers all branches of maths, not just calculation

  • arithmetic

    narrower — refers only to basic number operations such as addition and division

Antonyms
  • manual

    done by hand without machines or computers

Usage Note

Combines with nouns such as 'model', 'analysis', 'method', and 'approach' to describe techniques that rely on arithmetic or logical processing rather than physical experiments.

Common Mistakes

The computational answer was wrong' (meaning the result).
The computed answer was wrong.
computational describes the method or process, not the result that was produced.

2. relating to the use of computer programs and digital data to investigate questio

2.adjectiveB2
Definition

relating to the use of computer programs and digital data to investigate questions, model systems, or analyse information in a particular area of study

Example

Computational linguistics helps researchers study how children learn to speak.

collocation: computational linguistics

The course in computational biology teaches students to model how cells divide and grow.

collocation: computational biology

Common collocations
  • computational linguistics
  • computational biology
  • computational chemistry
  • computational neuroscience
  • computational tools
  • computational methods
Synonyms
  • computer-based

    more general — can refer to any use of computers, not just research

  • digital

    broader — describes anything using digital technology, not limited to computation

  • automated

    focuses on lack of human intervention, whereas computational emphasises the analytical process

Antonyms
  • experimental

    based on physical lab work rather than computer modelling

Common Mistakes

I study computational science' (meaning computer science).
I study computer science.
computational science uses computers to model natural systems, whereas computer science studies computers and programming themselves.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/2

All four terms describe processes that involve technology, but they differ in scope and emphasis. Computer-based is the broadest — it simply means 'using a computer', whether for writing emails or running simulations. Digital refers to any technology that stores or transmits data as binary signals, so it covers e-books, photos, and audio, not just analytical work. Automated focuses on reducing human effort: a factory assembly line can be automated without any computation at all. Computer-assisted is the closest synonym to computational in academic contexts — both suggest a human expert remains central and the computer serves as a tool. However, computational carries an extra layer: it implies the use of mathematical models, algorithms, or data analysis, not merely software support. For example, a computer-assisted language class might use an app for drills, whereas computational linguistics uses algorithms to parse sentence structures and model grammar rules.

computer-baseddigital ↗automatedcomputer-assisted

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

  • computationally

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Comes from the Latin verb 'computare' (to count or sum up), formed from 'com-' (together) and 'putare' (to reckon). Entered English through French in the 1600s as 'computation', and the adjective 'computational' emerged in the mid-1900s alongside the rise of electronic computers.