calculer

Calculer is a French verb meaning to calculate or compute, i.e., to determine a result through numerical or logical procedures. It is widely used in mathematics, science, finance, and everyday planning, covering activities from adding numbers to forecasting outcomes. The verb can take a direct object, as in calculer la somme, calculer le coût, or appear with complement clauses, as in il faut calculer combien il reste. The passive or impersonal construction cela se calcule is also common.

Calculer derives from Latin calculus, meaning a pebble used for counting, and from the Latin verb calculare, to count or compute. The French form appeared in Old French and developed into the regular -er verb calculer.

Calculer is a regular -er verb with the present tense forms: je calcule, tu calcules, il/elle calcule, nous calculons, vous calculez, ils/elles calculent. It is often followed by a direct object or by a subordinate clause to express the result of computation. In computing contexts, the term is used for algorithms and procedures that produce a numerical or logical outcome, and in everyday language it can also mean to estimate or figure out roughly, as in calculer les chances.

Notes: Calcul and calculateur are related nouns; calculatrice is a calculator; calculer appears in both mathematical and practical planning contexts.