B2noun1K

Sum

UK /["/sʌm/"]/US /["/sʌm/"]/

Definition

an amount of money

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

Examples

  • 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.

Usage notes

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!

Collocations

  • 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

  • total
  • aggregate
  • amount
  • calculation

Antonyms

  • difference
  • division

Common mistakes

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