Counting: meaning, definitions and examples

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counting

[ˈkaʊntɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

mathematics

The action or process of calculating or determining the number of something.

Synonyms

enumeration, reckoning, tallying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
counting	Used in everyday language when keeping track of numbers or items. She is counting the number of apples in the basket The teacher is counting the students in the classroom
enumeration	Used in formal or academic contexts to list out items or details. The report includes an enumeration of the key findings The enumeration of different species in the ecosystem took several years
reckoning	Used to describe a calculation or judgment, often with a sense of finality or consequence. Can have a negative or serious tone. By his reckoning, they should have arrived by now The day of reckoning is coming for those who broke the law
tallying	Used in contexts where items are being added up and recorded, often in real time. They are tallying the votes from the election The store is tallying the daily sales

Examples of usage

Counting the number of students in the class is essential for ordering the right amount of supplies.
Counting the days until vacation helps build excitement for the trip.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

everyday life

The act of reciting numbers in ascending order, indicating the quantity of items or people.

Synonyms

enumeration, numbering, tallying.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
counting	Used in everyday scenarios when determining the number of items or total in a set. Informal and commonly understood. I'm counting the apples in the basket. We are counting down the days to the holiday.
numbering	Used when assigning numbers to things in order or talking about the total count in a definite set. Often seen in administrative or organizational contexts. The pages of the report need numbering. The students, numbering around fifty, were seated in the auditorium.
tallying	Used when adding up or marking off numbers or amounts, often informally and sometimes in a competitive or cumulative manner. We need to start tallying points to see who wins. They are tallying votes for the election.
enumeration	Appropriate in academic, technical, or formal settings when needing to list or specify items in a detailed or systematic manner. The enumeration of the species found in the rainforest is still ongoing. He gave an enumeration of the tasks that needed to be completed.

Examples of usage

The counting of votes began after the polls closed.
Counting the money in the cash register is a daily task for the cashier.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

general

To determine the total number of items or people in a group by systematically adding or reciting numbers.

Synonyms

calculate, enumerate, tally.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
counting	Used for referring to the action of determining the total number of something by adding one-by-one, often in everyday situations. She was counting the number of apples in the basket. The teacher asked the students to start counting from one to ten.
enumerate	Used when listing items or mentioning them one by one, often in formal contexts or detailed descriptions. The report will enumerate all the steps taken during the investigation. She began to enumerate the reasons for her decision.
tally	Used in contexts where items need to be recorded as they are counted, often for informal or quantitative tracking, such as keeping score. Let's tally the votes to see who won the election. They tallied the number of goals scored in the match.
calculate	Used in situations requiring mathematical operations or solving problems, often involving more complex arithmetic or planning. He needs to calculate the total cost of the project. She calculated her expenses for the month.

Examples of usage

She is counting the days until her birthday.
Can you help me count how many apples are in the basket?

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The practice of counting dates back to prehistoric times, where people used their fingers and pebbles as early counting tools.
The word 'count' comes from the Latin 'computare,' which means to calculate or sum up.
Ancient civilizations like the Babylonians and Egyptians developed systems of counting that included symbols for numbers.

Mathematics

Counting is the foundation of mathematics and is essential for understanding more complex concepts like addition and subtraction.
There are various types of counting, including cardinal counting (how many) and ordinal counting (position, like first, second, third).
Counting in base systems, such as binary (using only 0 and 1), is crucial in computer science.

Cognitive Development

Counting helps develop a child’s number sense, which is their understanding of quantity and numerical relationships.
Research shows that early counting skills can predict later success in mathematics-related tasks.
Games that involve counting can enhance memory and cognitive skills in young children.

Pop Culture

Many children’s songs and nursery rhymes focus on counting, such as 'Five Little Ducks' and 'One, Two, Buckle My Shoe.'
In popular media, counting is often a humorous theme, like the Count from 'Sesame Street,' who loves to count everything!
Counting appears in many board games, where players often need to tally points or moves.

Languages

In different languages, counting words can vary widely; for instance, in Mandarin Chinese, numbers are often based on a decimal system too.
Many cultures have unique counting systems; the Inca used a quipu, a series of knotted strings to keep track of numerical data.
Some languages have special words for counting objects, like 'pair' for two or 'dozen' for twelve, highlighting cultural counting customs.

Translations

Translations of the word "counting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 contagem

🇮🇳 गणना

🇩🇪 Zählen

🇮🇩 menghitung

🇺🇦 підрахунок

🇵🇱 liczenie

🇯🇵 数えること (かぞえること)

🇫🇷 comptage

🇪🇸 conteo

🇹🇷 sayma

🇰🇷 세기 (segi)

🇸🇦 عدّ (ʿadd)

🇨🇿 počítání

🇸🇰 počítanie

🇨🇳 计数 (jìshù)

🇸🇮 štetje

🇮🇸 talning

🇰🇿 санау

🇬🇪 დათვლა (datvla)

🇦🇿 sayma

🇲🇽 conteo

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,162 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.

...
5159 unconscious
5160 devil
5161 tooth
5162 counting
5163 mistaken
5164 apple
5165 generator
...