'compute' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'computare,' where 'com-' meant 'together' and 'putare' meant 'to reckon or think.'

'computare' transformed into the French word 'computer,' and eventually became the modern English word 'compute' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'to reckon or think together,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to calculate or reckon a figure or amount.'