B1adjective1K

Total

UK /["/ˈtəʊtl/"]/US /["/ˈtəʊtl/"]/

Definition

being the amount or number after everyone or everything is counted or added together

In simple words: The whole amount or number of something.

Examples

  • The total cost of the groceries came to fifty dollars.
  • After counting all the votes, the total was clearly in favor of the proposal.
  • She gave a total of three presentations last week.
  • The total number of students in the class is thirty.
  • His total disregard for the rules was shocking.

Usage notes

Use 'total' in contexts involving amounts or sums. It's appropriate for both casual and formal speech, but avoid using it in technical or scientific contexts where precise terms are preferred.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'total' as you add everything up to reach the final number!

Collocations

  • total amount
  • total number
  • total cost
  • total failure
  • total control

Synonyms

  • complete

Antonyms

  • partial
  • incomplete

Common mistakes

  • 'Total' used as a verb incorrectly.
  • Confusing 'total' with 'entire' in some contexts.
  • Using 'totally' instead of 'total' when describing a noun.