calculative

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calculative" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who is calculating or strategic in their thinking or actions, often with a connotation of being shrewd or self-interested. Example: "Her calculative nature allowed her to navigate the complex negotiations with ease."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

38 human-written examples

Who goes to those extremes, unless he's responsible for the killing?" Mr Harbage went on "There is an overwhelming inference from the evidence that the defendant murdered Shaun Cummins... His calculative and deceptive behaviour prevented the discovery of the body".

Independent

Yet, in the magazine Prospect, the philosopher Jonathan Rée attempts to defend Heidegger by minimizing the significance of this idea: "One of his arguments is that Judaism, like Bolshevism and Fascism, participates in the corrosive calculative culture of modernity, even though it goes back thousands of years".

The New Yorker

He sees that Jesus's ethics are extravagant, hostile to the calculative spirit of the utilitarians.

The Guardian - Opinion

When we look at the way that numbers are used, we see increasingly calculative modes of reasoning deployed in our workplaces, in our consumer behaviour, and in determining whether schools, hospitals, universities, countries are failing or succeeding.

The Guardian

It is about the emotional response we have to metrics and their visualisations, as well as to the technical or calculative insights that they bring.

The Guardian

Yet perhaps this shrug of a response truly shows her a murderer's "mad-cold calculative mind".

The Guardian - Books

Valuing the sea is an extreme example of calculative thinking, but the same could be said for many parts of social life.

The Guardian

Your enemy is patient and calculative; the world is undergirded by bitter scheming and malicious plots.

The New Yorker

It would be hard to sustain this kind of calculative act if they weren't fired by a religious vision.

The New York Times - Magazine

Calculative reasons are thus nonoptional, or binding.

SEP

But more importantly for our purposes, such descriptions of humanity's drive to master the world completely through the coldly rational application of calculative reasoning also show that what Heidegger calls "subjectivism" is a conceptual and historical precursor to what he will soon call "enframing" (or Gestell).

SEP

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "calculative", consider whether the connotation of shrewdness or self-interest is appropriate for your context. If not, a more neutral term like "strategic" might be better.

Common error

Avoid using "calculative" excessively in formal writing, especially when a more neutral or positive term like "analytical" or "strategic" would be more suitable to avoid negative connotations.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "calculative" modifies nouns, describing something or someone that is characterized by careful calculation, planning, or strategy. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its usage in diverse contexts, often implying a degree of shrewdness or self-interest.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

32%

News & Media

30%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

8%

Academia

8%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calculative" is a grammatically correct adjective used to describe something or someone characterized by careful calculation and strategic planning. Ludwig indicates that while the term is valid, its connotations of shrewdness or self-interest should be considered. It appears frequently in news, science, and philosophical contexts, making it appropriate for neutral to formal registers. When writing, consider synonyms like "strategic" or "analytical" to avoid unwanted negative implications. The term's multifaceted nature, as illustrated by Ludwig, suggests careful consideration of context is crucial for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

calculating

Focuses more on the process of making calculations, often in a literal sense or in planning.

strategic

Emphasizes planning and long-term goals.

shrewd

Implies intelligence and practical wisdom, especially in business or financial matters.

cunning

Suggests a degree of deception or trickery.

scheming

Highlights the creation of secret or underhanded plans.

pragmatic

Focuses on practicality and effectiveness rather than idealism.

coldly rational

Highlights the absence of emotion in decision-making.

instrumental

Suggests using something or someone as a tool to achieve a goal.

devising

Implies creating a complex plan or scheme.

conniving

Indicates a secretive and manipulative approach to achieving goals.

FAQs

How can I use "calculative" in a sentence?

You can use "calculative" to describe someone who plans their actions carefully and strategically. For example, "Her "calculative" approach ensured the project's success."

What's the difference between "calculative" and "calculating"?

"Calculative" typically describes a person's general approach or nature, while "calculating" can refer to a specific action or decision. Both imply careful planning, but "calculating" can sometimes have a more negative connotation.

When is it appropriate to use the term "calculative"?

Use "calculative" when you want to emphasize a person's strategic and deliberate planning, often with an implication of shrewdness or self-interest. Be mindful of the context to avoid negative interpretations.

Are there any negative connotations associated with "calculative"?

Yes, "calculative" can sometimes imply that someone is manipulative or overly focused on their own gain. In some contexts, it may be better to use a more neutral term like "strategic" or "analytical".