compute

compute — verb

1. to use a computer or other electronic device to work out a number, amount, or ma

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveB1
Definition

to use a computer or other electronic device to work out a number, amount, or mathematical result.

Example

Rachid used a spreadsheet to compute the total sales for last quarter.

transitive: compute + noun phrase (total)

Aoi asked the calculator app to compute the average of her test scores.

Common collocations
  • compute the total
  • compute the cost
  • compute the distance
  • compute the average
  • compute the exact value
Synonyms
  • calculate

    broader term; can be done mentally or on paper, not limited to machine use

  • reckon

    more informal and often suggests estimation rather than exact calculation

  • figure out

    phrasal verb; less formal and may involve problem-solving beyond pure arithmetic

Antonyms
  • estimate

    to give an approximate value rather than an exact computed one

  • guess

    to form an opinion without using data or calculation

Grammar Patterns

compute + noun phrase (the cost, the total, the distance)

compute + wh-clause (how much, whether, what)

be computed from + noun phrase

Usage Note

Unlike the simpler verb 'calculate,' which covers both mental and machine-aided arithmetic, 'compute' in modern English strongly implies the use of a computer, calculator, or other device.

Common Mistakes

She computed the tip in her head without looking at her phone.
She worked out the tip in her head without looking at her phone.
'Compute' usually refers to using a machine or device, not mental arithmetic.

2. to be logically consistent or understandable within a given set of facts or a si

2.verbintransitiveB2
Definition

to be logically consistent or understandable within a given set of facts or a situation.

Example

Mert's story did not compute with the location data from his phone.

negative: story / explanation / timeline + does not compute

Sana checked the numbers three times, but they still did not compute.

Common collocations
  • does not compute with
Synonyms
  • add up

    phrasal verb with the same idiomatic meaning; also usually used in negative ('does not add up')

  • make sense

    more neutral and common in both affirmative and negative; not limited to informal contexts

  • hold water

    idiom meaning the same thing; also typically used in negative ('does not hold water')

Grammar Patterns

subject + does not compute

subject + does not compute with + noun phrase

subject + will not compute

Usage Note

Almost always appears in negative constructions ('does not compute,' 'did not compute') or occasionally in questions ('does it compute?'). Affirmative use ('it computes') is extremely rare in this sense and sounds unnatural.

Common Mistakes

His explanation computes with the evidence.
His explanation does not compute with the evidence.
This sense of 'compute' is almost always used in negative form.

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: verb/1

All four verbs involve determining a number or result. 'Compute' is the most specific: it strongly implies using a device (a computer, a calculator). 'Calculate' is the broadest — you can calculate in your head, on paper, or with a tool. 'Reckon' is more informal and often suggests rough estimation rather than exact precision: a farmer might reckon the weight of a cow by looking at it, but would compute the feed ration by a formula. 'Figure out' is the least formal and covers both arithmetic and general problem-solving: you can figure out a puzzle or figure out how a machine works, not just a number. Use 'compute' when a machine is doing the work; use 'calculate' for precise mental or written arithmetic; use 'reckon' for casual estimation; and use 'figure out' for any kind of discovery through thinking.

calculate ↗compute ↗reckon ↗figure out ↗

Common collocations

Nouns

Adverbs

Phrases

  • compute the sum of
  • compute the difference between
  • compute the ratio of

Prepositions

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

From Latin computare, which combines com- (together) and putare (to reckon, to count, to think). The word entered English through Old French computer in the 1600s, originally meaning simply 'to count' or 'to sum up.' Its modern association with electronic machines developed in the mid-20th century as digital computers became common — the device itself took its name from the action it performed.