calculative
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Deliberately planning and acting to gain a personal advantage, often in a cold, shrewd, or selfish way: Describes a person who carefully considers how to benefit themselves, especially in a way that shows a lack of concern for others. It implies a focus on self-interest and strategic, often manipulative, thinking.
Examples of Usage
- Adjective:
- His calculative approach to friendships meant he only maintained relationships that could advance his career.
- The CEO's calculative decision to cut costs led to massive layoffs, damaging employee morale.
- She was too kind and genuine to be described as calculative.
Advanced Usage
- "Calculative behavior": Actions characterized by careful planning for personal gain.
- The politician's calculative behavior was evident in every public statement.
- "A calculative mind": A way of thinking that is constantly assessing situations for personal advantage.
- He has a calculative mind, always analyzing risks and rewards before acting.
Variants and Related Words
- Calculate (verb): To determine mathematically or to plan deliberately.
- We need to calculate the total cost.
- Calculation (noun): The process of calculating; or a deliberate plan or scheme.
- His actions were based on cold calculation.
- Calculating (adjective): Very similar in meaning to "calculative," often used interchangeably. It can sometimes carry a slightly stronger negative connotation of cunning or scheming.
- She gave him a calculating look.
Synonyms
- Scheming: Making secret and clever plans to achieve an aim, often a dishonest one.
- Shrewd: Having or showing sharp powers of judgment; astute, but not necessarily selfish.
- Manipulative: Exercising unscrupulous control or influence over a person or situation.
- Self-serving: Having concern for one's own welfare and interests before those of others.
Antonyms
- Spontaneous: Performed or occurring as a result of a sudden impulse or without premeditation.
- Altruistic: Showing a selfless concern for the well-being of others.
- Genuine: Truly what something is said to be; authentic and sincere.
- Impulsive: Acting or done without forethought.
Related Phrases
- "To play a calculative game": To engage in a situation with a strategy focused solely on personal gain.
- In the high-stakes negotiations, everyone was playing a calculative game.
Adjective
- used of persons
- the most calculating and selfish men in the community