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Totaled Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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totaled

[toÊŠtld ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

financial context

Totaled is the past tense of the verb 'total', which means to calculate the total amount of something. In financial contexts, it often refers to the process of adding up costs, expenses, or values. Totaled can also imply that something has been completely destroyed or rendered a total loss. The term is commonly used in the insurance industry when discussing cars that have been severely damaged in an accident.

Synonyms

added up, calculated, sum up.

Examples of usage

  • The insurance company totaled my car after the accident.
  • He totaled his finances with reckless spending.
  • The accountant totaled all expenses for the month.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Legal Terminology

  • In insurance terms, a vehicle is deemed 'totaled' when the repair costs exceed its value, leading to a financial settlement instead of repairs.
  • Different states have varying criteria for what constitutes a totaled vehicle based on the percentage of damage.

Cultural References

  • Movies often depict car crashes resulting in totaled vehicles, emphasizing the dramatic impact of accidents.
  • In popular culture, a 'totaled' car can represent a turning point for characters, leading to new journeys and adventures.

Psychology

  • The experience of having a car totaled can lead to significant stress and emotional turmoil for the owners, as they face loss and change.
  • People may experience relief or frustration depending on the circumstances of the accident and their insurance situation.

Environmental Impact

  • A totaled vehicle often leads to discussions on recycling and the environmental impact of disposals, contributing to automotive waste.
  • The automotive industry is increasingly focused on sustainable practices to handle totaled vehicles, promoting recycling of materials.

Origin of 'totaled'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'totaled' comes from the verb 'total,' which means to sum things up. Adding up damages can lead to a total loss.
  • It originated in American English, gaining common usage in the mid-20th century, specifically related to automobile insurance.

The word 'total' originates from the Latin 'totalis', which means 'whole' or 'entire'. It entered the English language through Middle French 'total', which carries a similar meaning. The specific verb form 'to total' emerged in the early 20th century as a way to refer to the process of summing figures or amounts. Its usage in the sense of 'to render something completely destroyed' became more prominent with the rise of the automobile and the insurance practices surrounding vehicular accidents. As cars became a common mode of transportation, the evaluation of damage and the determination of whether a vehicle is 'totaled' became an essential part of the insurance process, leading to the popularization of the term in everyday language.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,776 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.