computar

Definition & meaning

Computar is a Spanish verb meaning:

• To calculate or compute: to perform a mathematical calculation or work something out.
• To count or include in a total: to take something into account when tallying or assessing something.
• To count as or be considered: to have a particular value or status in a calculation or assessment.

The exact sense depends on context: it can refer to mathematical calculation, keeping a count, or treating something as relevant.

Grammar & Word origin

Computar is a regular verb ending in -ar. Its present-tense forms include computo (“I compute”), computas (“you compute”), and computa (“he/she/it computes”). Its past participle is computado.

It comes from Latin computāre, meaning “to reckon” or “calculate,” formed from com- (“together”) and putāre (“to reckon” or “consider”).

Synonyms & antonyms

• Calcular ↗ means “to calculate.” It is often a close synonym, especially for mathematical operations.
• Contar ↗ means “to count” or “to tell.” It emphasizes tallying items or keeping a count.
• Contabilizar ↗ means “to count up” or “to record in accounts,” often with a more formal or bookkeeping-related sense.
• Considerar ↗ means “to consider” or “take into account.” It fits when computar means treating something as relevant, rather than performing arithmetic.

There is no single direct antonym in every sense. Depending on context:

• Excluir ↗ (“to exclude”) is an opposite when computar means to include something in a total or assessment.
• Descontar ↗ (“to deduct” or “subtract”) can be an opposite when the emphasis is on adding something to a tally, though it may also simply describe a different operation.

Common phrases & collocations

• Computar el tiempo ↗ — to count or calculate time.
• Computar los votos ↗ — to count the votes.
• Computar datos ↗ — to process or calculate data.
• Computar como experiencia ↗ — to count as experience.