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Sum: meaning, definitions and examples

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sum

 

[ sʌm ]

Noun / Verb
Oxford 3000
Context #1 | Noun

mathematics

A mathematical process of adding two or more numbers together to get a total.

Synonyms

outcome, result, total

Examples of usage

  • The sum of 5 and 3 is 8.
  • What is the sum of 2, 4, and 6?
Context #2 | Noun

general

The total amount resulting from the combination of elements, parts, etc.

Synonyms

aggregate, total, whole

Examples of usage

  • The sum of all the parts is greater than the whole.
  • The sum of our efforts led to success.
Context #3 | Verb

mathematics

To add numbers or amounts together to get a total.

Synonyms

add up, calculate, total

Examples of usage

  • I need to sum the total expenses for the month.
  • Can you sum these figures for me?

Translations

Translations of the word "sum" in other languages:

🇵🇹 soma

🇮🇳 योग

🇩🇪 Summe

🇮🇩 jumlah

🇺🇦 сума

🇵🇱 suma

🇯🇵 合計 (ごうけい)

🇫🇷 somme

🇪🇸 suma

🇹🇷 toplam

🇰🇷 합계 (hapgye)

🇸🇦 مجموع

🇨🇿 součet

🇸🇰 súčet

🇨🇳 总和 (zǒnghé)

🇸🇮 vsota

🇮🇸 summa

🇰🇿 қосынды

🇬🇪 ჯამი (jami)

🇦🇿 cəm

🇲🇽 suma

Etymology

The word 'sum' originated from the Latin word 'summa', meaning 'highest, greatest'. In mathematics, the concept of sum has been fundamental since ancient times, with early civilizations developing methods to add numbers and calculate totals. The term has evolved to represent not only mathematical addition but also the accumulation or combination of various elements or quantities.

See also: summable, summing.

Word Frequency Rank

At #882 in the frequency ranking, this word is highly important for effective communication. It's commonly used in daily situations and should be prioritized in your vocabulary building.