B2noun 1K

Sum

🇬🇧 UK /["/sʌm/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/sʌm/"]/

Meaning of Sum

an amount of money

In simple words: The total amount when you add numbers together.

Sum in a sentence

• The sum of the two numbers is twenty.
• To calculate the sum, simply add all the values together.
• He is trying to find the sum of all the expenses for the month.
• Her realization was that the sum of life's experiences is what truly matters.
• The final sum of the project budget came to $500,000.

How to use Sum

Use 'sum' in mathematics or when discussing totals. It's neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in non-numerical discussions.

Grammar pattern

sum + object (numbers)

Memory hint

Think 'sum' like 'some'—it adds things up!

Related words

Collocations with Sum

• considerable
• generous
• good
• borrow
• earn
• fetch
• be due
• be payable
• be equal to something
• a sum of money
• calculate
• find
• work out
• sum of
• greater, less, more, etc. than the sum of its/​the parts
• difficult
• easy
• do
• get your sums right/​wrong

Synonyms for Sum

• total
• aggregate
• amount
• calculation

Opposites of Sum

• difference
• division

Common mistakes with Sum

• Confused with 'some' when speaking.
• Using 'sum' as a verb; it's mainly a noun.
• Overgeneralizing to non-mathematical uses.

Frequently asked questions about Sum

What does Sum mean?

The total amount when you add numbers together.

What is the definition of Sum?

an amount of money

How do you use Sum in a sentence?

The sum of the two numbers is twenty.

Can you give another example of Sum?

To calculate the sum, simply add all the values together.

What are synonyms for Sum?

Common alternatives include total, aggregate, amount, calculation.

What is the opposite of Sum?

Opposite meanings include difference, division.

What words go with Sum?

It commonly pairs with considerable, generous, good, borrow, earn, fetch, be due, be payable, be equal to something, a sum of money, calculate, find, work out, sum of, greater, less, more, etc. than the sum of its/​the parts, difficult, easy, do, get your sums right/​wrong.

What are common mistakes when using Sum?

Confused with 'some' when speaking. Using 'sum' as a verb; it's mainly a noun. Overgeneralizing to non-mathematical uses.

How do you pronounce Sum?

US: /["/sʌm/"]/, UK: /["/sʌm/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Sum?

Use 'sum' in mathematics or when discussing totals. It's neutral in register, suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Avoid using it in non-numerical discussions.

What CEFR level is Sum?

"Sum" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.