C1 noun Formal

computation

/ˌkɑːmpjəˈteɪʃn/

Computation refers to the act or process of calculating a mathematical result or processing data using logical rules. It often implies a systematic sequence of steps, typically performed by a computer or through complex mental effort.

Examples

3 of 5
1

I did a quick computation of the grocery bill in my head before reaching the checkout.

I performed a fast mental calculation of the total cost of my items before paying.

2

The final computation of the annual tax returns must be submitted to the authorities by midnight.

The official calculation of the yearly taxes needs to be sent to the government by the deadline.

3

Don't worry about the exact computation; just give me a ballpark figure for now.

Do not stress over the precise math; provide a rough estimate for the moment.

Word Family

Noun
computation
Verb
compute
Adverb
computationally
Adjective
computational
Related
computer
💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Compute + Action'. It is the action of a computer or a brain acting like one to solve a puzzle.

Quick Quiz

The ________ required to map the human genome took years of intensive data processing.

Correct!

The correct answer is: computation

Examples

1

I did a quick computation of the grocery bill in my head before reaching the checkout.

everyday

I performed a fast mental calculation of the total cost of my items before paying.

2

The final computation of the annual tax returns must be submitted to the authorities by midnight.

formal

The official calculation of the yearly taxes needs to be sent to the government by the deadline.

3

Don't worry about the exact computation; just give me a ballpark figure for now.

informal

Do not stress over the precise math; provide a rough estimate for the moment.

4

Quantum computation theoretical limits are still being explored by physicists and mathematicians.

academic

The theoretical boundaries of processing information with quantum systems are being researched.

5

The computation of the project's return on investment will determine if we proceed with the merger.

business

The logical processing of the profit data will decide whether the company merger happens.

Word Family

Noun
computation
Verb
compute
Adverb
computationally
Adjective
computational
Related
computer

Common Collocations

mathematical computation the process of solving a math problem
perform a computation to execute a calculation
power of computation the capacity of a system to process data
error in computation a mistake made during the calculating process
symbolic computation processing mathematical symbols rather than just numbers

Common Phrases

beyond computation

too numerous or complex to be calculated

cloud computation

processing data on remote servers

methods of computation

the specific ways or techniques used to calculate results

Often Confused With

computation vs computing

Computing usually refers to the activity or field of using computers, whereas computation refers to the specific logical or mathematical process itself.

📝

Usage Notes

Computation is preferred over 'calculation' in technical, scientific, or computer science contexts to describe the internal logic of a process. It is a formal term that suggests a systematic approach.

⚠️

Common Mistakes

Learners often use 'computation' for simple tasks like 'counting' objects. Use 'counting' for physical items and 'computation' for logical or mathematical data processing.

💡

Memory Tip

Think of 'Compute + Action'. It is the action of a computer or a brain acting like one to solve a puzzle.

📖

Word Origin

Derived from the Latin 'computare', where 'com-' means together and 'putare' means to settle an account or think.

Grammar Patterns

Commonly used as an uncountable noun when referring to the concept (e.g., 'the study of computation'). Used as a countable noun when referring to specific instances (e.g., 'the results of these computations').
🌍

Cultural Context

The term is central to the 'Digital Age' and historical breakthroughs in mathematics that led to the development of the first computers.

Quick Quiz

The ________ required to map the human genome took years of intensive data processing.

Correct!

The correct answer is: computation

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