Cool MateTotal
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.