How to pronounce calculate
Say it like KAL-kyuh-layt. Calculate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce calculate. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- KAL
- kyuh
- layt
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Calculate pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- KALSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "a" in cat.
- kyuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- laytGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
American vs British pronunciation of calculate
American and British speakers say calculate in essentially the same way: /ˈkælkjəˌleɪt/ in the US and /ˈkælkjʊˌleɪt/ in the UK.
British respelling: KAL-kyuu-layt.
What does calculate mean?
- make a mathematical calculation or computation
- judge to be probable
- keep an account of
Where does calculate come from?
Borrowed from Latin calculātus, perfect passive participle of calculō (“to reckon, compute, calculate”, originally by means of pebbles) (see -ate (verb-forming suffix)), from calculus (“a pebble”), further from calx (“limestone”, calc- in c
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Questions about saying calculate
How do you pronounce calculate?
Say KAL-kyuh-layt. The American pronunciation is /ˈkælkjəˌleɪt/. In British English it is /ˈkælkjʊˌleɪt/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in calculate?
Calculate has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the first one (KAL). Broken into parts: KAL · kyuh · layt.
Do Americans and Brits say calculate the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˈkælkjəˌleɪt/ and the British form is /ˈkælkjʊˌleɪt/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.