Meaning & Definition
verb
to calculate or reckon a figure or amount.
It’s easy to compute the total cost when you have the right tools.
to determine something by mathematical, statistical, or logical methods.
The engineers needed to compute the stress on the bridge under different loads.
to make a computation; to use a computer or calculator.
I’ll compute the results and let you know the findings by tomorrow.
Etymology
From Latin 'computare', meaning 'to calculate, count, sum up'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
compute the odds:
To calculate the probability of a situation occurring.
compute a solution:
To determine the answer to a problem through calculation.
compute expenses:
To calculate total expenditures.
Slang Meanings
To figure it out or make sense of something.
I can't compute why he would do that!
To process information quickly.
Give me a second to compute this data.