Total - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT total /ˈtoʊdl/ /ˈtʌʊtəl/ IPA guide

Other forms: totaling; totals; totaled; totalled; totalling

There are many meanings of total, but they all have something to do with completeness. A total is a whole or complete amount, and "to total" is to add numbers or to destroy something.

In math, you total numbers by adding them: the result is the total. If you add 8 and 8, the total is 16. If a car is totaled in an accident, it has been completely destroyed. A total defeat is a complete and utter defeat with no chance of recovering. The total resources of a company are all its resources, everything it has.

Definitions of total

noun the whole amount synonyms: aggregate, sum, totality see moresee less type of: unit, whole an assemblage of parts that is regarded as a single entity
noun a quantity obtained by the addition of a group of numbers synonyms: amount, sum see moresee less types: grand total the sum of the sums of several groups of numbers subtotal the sum of part of a group of numbers type of: quantity the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable
adjective constituting the full quantity or extent; complete “a total failure” synonyms: entire, full whole including all components without exception; being one unit or constituting the full amount or extent or duration; complete
adjective complete in extent or degree and in every particular “a total eclipse” “a total disaster” synonyms: full complete having every necessary or normal part or component or step
verb add up in number or quantity synonyms: add up, amount, come, number see moresee less types: show 4 types... hide 4 types... work out be calculated outnumber be larger in number average, average out amount to or come to an average, without loss or gain make add up to type of: be have the quality of being; (copula, used with an adjective or a predicate noun)
verb determine the sum of synonyms: add, add together, add up, sum, sum up, summate, tally, tot, tot up, tote up add, add together make an addition by combining numbers see moresee less type of: count, enumerate, number, numerate determine the number or amount of
verb damage beyond the point of repair “My son totaled our new car” “the rock star totals his guitar at every concert” see moresee less type of: damage inflict damage upon

Pronunciation US /ˈtoʊdl/ UK /ˈtʌʊtəl/ Cite this entry Style: MLA

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