Amount Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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amount

[əˈmaʊnt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

finance

A quantity of something, especially the total of a thing or things in number, size, value, or extent.

Synonyms

quantity, sum, total, volume.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amount	Use 'amount' when referring to a general measure of something that can't be easily counted, typically with uncountable nouns. The amount of water in the bottle is insufficient. She was surprised by the amount of love and support she received.
quantity	This word is suitable when referring to a measurable or countable amount of something, typically with countable nouns. The store needs to order a larger quantity of notebooks. He only had a small quantity of sugar left.
total	This word is best used when referring to the complete amount, usually as a result of adding different parts together. The total cost of the trip was higher than expected. Their total score was very impressive.
sum	Use 'sum' when referring to the total amount of money, or sometimes when talking about the result of adding numbers. She received a large sum of money as a gift. The sum of 5 and 7 is 12.
volume	This word is typically used when speaking about the amount of space that something occupies, often for liquids or gases. The volume of the container is 2 liters. Adjust the volume on the radio.

Examples of usage

The amount of money in his bank account was impressive.
She was shocked by the amount of work she had to do.
The total amount of sales for the month exceeded expectations.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

finance

To add up in number or quantity.

Synonyms

add up to, come to, total.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
amount	Use this when referring to a quantity of something, especially when it's uncountable or abstract. The amount of water in the lake is decreasing What is the amount of sugar needed for this recipe?
total	This word is appropriate for stating the final sum of various numbers or quantities, typically in both general and specific contexts. The total cost of the project is $10,000 Your total savings amount to $500
add up to	This phrase is useful when discussing the result of several numbers or items when combined. The expenses add up to more than we expected All these small costs will add up to a significant amount
come to	Use this in situations where you are calculating the final result or total, often used in financial contexts. Your total for the groceries comes to $45 After adding the tax, the bill comes to $100

Examples of usage

If we amount the expenses, we will see that they exceed the budget.
The donations amounted to over $1000.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

In mathematics, 'amount' often refers to the total or sum of a set of numbers.
It is commonly used in financial calculations, such as total expenses or income.
Understanding amounts is crucial for budgeting, calculating totals, and managing finances.

Psychology

Perceptions of amount can vary based on context – more of something may feel less significant than a smaller quantity of a valuable item.
Research shows that people may exhibit 'value-based' decisions, where perceived amount influences choices and satisfaction.
The concept of 'satisficing' relates to how we decide on a sufficient amount that meets our needs rather than the optimal total.

Economics

In economics, the term is crucial for calculating supply and demand, affecting market prices.
The 'amount demanded' in a market refers to the total quantity that consumers are willing to buy at a given price.
Economic models often use 'amount' to define the total resources required to meet production needs.

Cultural Interpretations

Different cultures have varied interpretations of 'amount' – some may prioritize quality over quantity in consumption.
In many cultures, displaying a large amount of food is seen as a sign of hospitality and abundance.
Amount can also reflect status; in some societies, having a significant amount of resources is linked to power and influence.

Origin of 'amount'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old French 'amunter', which means 'to raise' or 'to increase'.
It is derived from the Latin 'ad montare', meaning 'to mount' or 'to rise up'.
The usage of this term has evolved over centuries, reflecting changes in trade and economics.

The word 'amount' originated from the Old French word 'amont', meaning 'to go up'. It entered the English language in the late 13th century, initially used in the context of rising water levels. Over time, its usage expanded to represent the concept of quantity or total. The word has since become a staple in the English language, commonly used in various fields such as finance, mathematics, and everyday conversation.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #193, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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190 study
191 subject
192 find
193 amount
194 whole
195 among
196 government
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