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Total: meaning, definitions and examples

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total

 

[ˈtoʊtl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

finance

the whole amount

Synonyms

aggregate, entirety, sum.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
total

This word is most commonly used in everyday situations to refer to the complete amount of something. It is also frequently used in mathematical contexts.

  • The total cost of the project is $5000.
  • What is the total number of students in the class?
aggregate

This word is often used in formal or technical contexts to refer to a collection of items that are gathered together into a total amount. It is frequently seen in business, economics, and statistics.

  • The aggregate sales for the quarter were impressive.
  • We need to look at the aggregate data to make a decision.
sum

This word is commonly used in mathematics to refer to the result of adding numbers together. It can also be used in everyday language to mean the total of various parts.

  • The sum of 2 and 3 is 5.
  • The final sum of all expenses will be calculated at the end.
entirety

This word suggests something that is complete and undivided. It is often used in more formal writing to emphasize the wholeness or completeness of something.

  • He watched the movie in its entirety.
  • The book must be read in its entirety to understand its message.

Examples of usage

  • The total cost of the project is $1 million.
  • The total number of employees in the company is 100.
Context #2 | Adjective

overall

including all parts or aspects

Synonyms

complete, comprehensive, inclusive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
total

Used to describe something that is absolute, with nothing missing. Often used in contexts where you mean the entire amount or number.

  • The total cost of the project was higher than expected.
  • He was in total agreement with the plan.
complete

Indicates something that is whole or finished. Often applies to tasks, conditions, or states.

  • Make sure you complete all the required fields on the form.
  • The project is now complete.
comprehensive

Refers to something that includes all or nearly all elements or aspects. Often used in academic, research, or detailed analysis contexts.

  • They conducted a comprehensive study on climate change.
  • We need a comprehensive plan to tackle this issue.
inclusive

Used to describe something that includes a wide range or all necessary items, people, or elements. Often applies to social contexts or policies and practices.

  • The event aims to be inclusive of all community members.
  • She works to create an inclusive workplace.

Examples of usage

  • She gave a total performance in the play.
  • The total effect of the new policy is yet to be seen.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'totalis', meaning complete or whole.
  • In the 14th century, it entered Middle English as 'total', preserving its meaning of completeness.
  • It has evolved to encompass both mathematical sums and collective amounts in various contexts.

Mathematics

  • In math, the total refers to the sum of numbers or quantities after adding them together.
  • It is often used to calculate expenses, scores, and other aggregates in everyday scenarios.
  • The total can be expressed in different ways, such as a simple number or a more complex value.

Pop Culture

  • Total Recall is a famous sci-fi film that explored themes of memory and identity, emphasizing the concept of 'total' experiences.
  • The phrase 'total makeover' in reality shows signifies a complete transformation, appealing to viewers' desire for wholeness.
  • In sports, when teams seek total domination, it illustrates the ambition to achieve unmatched success.

Psychology

  • In psychology, the concept of 'total dedication' refers to fully committing oneself to a task, highlighting the importance of wholehearted effort.
  • Researchers new to handling emotions suggest that achieving a total understanding of feelings can lead to better mental health outcomes.
  • The totality of one’s experiences shapes personal identity, showcasing how all aspects of life contribute to a person’s sense of self.

Business

  • In finance, the total revenue represents all income generated from sales or services before expenses are deducted.
  • Cost analysis often involves calculating the total cost, which helps businesses understand their spending and profit margins.
  • Total quality management emphasizes ensuring that every aspect of a business contributes positively to overall quality.

Translations

Translations of the word "total" in other languages:

🇵🇹 total

🇮🇳 कुल

🇩🇪 Gesamt

🇮🇩 total

🇺🇦 загальний

🇵🇱 całkowity

🇯🇵 合計

🇫🇷 total

🇪🇸 total

🇹🇷 toplam

🇰🇷 전체

🇸🇦 إجمالي

🇨🇿 celkový

🇸🇰 celkový

🇨🇳 总数

🇸🇮 skupaj

🇮🇸 samtals

🇰🇿 жиынтық

🇬🇪 საერთო

🇦🇿 ümumi

🇲🇽 total

Word Frequency Rank

With position #229, this word is vital for basic English fluency. It appears very frequently in everyday language and should be among the first words you learn and actively use.