Altogether: meaning, definitions and examples

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altogether

 

[ หŒษ”หltษ™หˆษกษ›รฐษ™ ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

used to emphasize that a particular situation or feeling is complete or extreme

Completely; totally. Used to emphasize the importance or seriousness of something. Often used in a negative context to express disapproval or disappointment.

Synonyms

completely, entirely, totally, wholly

Examples of usage

  • She was altogether too excited to sleep before the big day.
  • I think it's altogether too soon to make a decision.
Context #2 | Adverb

used to indicate that everything has been taken into consideration

Wholly; completely. Used to indicate that everything or everyone has been included or accounted for.

Synonyms

all in all, completely, entirely, wholly

Examples of usage

  • Altogether, there were about fifty people at the party.
  • I think we have found altogether a satisfactory solution to the problem.
Context #3 | Adverb

used to indicate that something is a total amount or total result

In total; all in all. Used to indicate that a particular amount or result is the sum of all the individual parts.

Synonyms

all in all, in total, overall, total

Examples of usage

  • The bill came to $50 altogether.
  • We walked for three hours altogether.

Etymology

The word 'altogether' originated in the late Middle English period from the phrase 'all to-geder'. The prefix 'all-' emphasizes the meaning of 'together', indicating a complete or total state. Over time, the word evolved into 'altogether', with the same meaning of completeness or entirety. It has been used in English language to express various nuances of totality or completeness in different contexts.

See also: together.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,711, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.