WordGarden.iosum
A1Pronunciation
UK
- /sˈʌm/
US
- /ˈsəm/
Meanings
Noun
the total produced by adding numbers or amounts together
a quantity of money
a brief statement of the main points; a summary
Verb
to add numbers or amounts together to get a total
Beyond the definition
This word is often about numbers: it is the total you get when you add them together. But it is not only for math. It can also mean the whole result when different parts, qualities, or events are taken together. You might say the sum of her talents made her impressive, or that the sum of many small choices changed the final result. In both cases, the idea is simple: it is what everything adds up to.
The word "sum" most commonly refers to the total amount resulting from adding numbers together. "The sum of 5 and 7 is 12." This is its mathematical heart, where you combine quantities to find their collective value. But "sum" extends far beyond arithmetic; it can describe anything that results from combining different elements.
Think about a complex story: the sum of all the characters, plot twists, and settings creates the overall experience for the reader. Or consider a person's personality—it's the sum of their experiences, beliefs, and traits.
You might hear "the sum total" used to emphasize completeness—meaning everything considered together. "The sum total of his achievements was remarkable." It can also be used more abstractly to describe an overall impression or effect: "The sum of her words left him feeling hopeful."
Historically, the word comes from the Latin summa, meaning the "highest part" or "total." While often associated with mathematics, remember that "sum" is about bringing things together to create something whole—whether it's numbers, ideas, or experiences. It's what everything adds up to in the end.
Examples
- 1
Arithmetic
Add the three numbers and write the sum at the bottom.
- 2
Money
She borrowed a small sum of money from her brother.
- Phrasesum of money
an amount of money
- 3
Costs
The costs quickly summed to more than $500.
- Patternsum to + amount
add up to that total
- 4
Abstract idea
Happiness is often the sum of many small things.
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Payment decision
The committee has not yet agreed on the exact sum to be paid.
- 6
Summary phrase
In sum, the plan would cost too much and take too long.
- Phrasein sum
in short; used to state the main point
- 7
Whole vs parts
The success of the show was greater than the sum of its parts.
- Phrasethe sum of its parts
all the separate pieces considered together
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- sumnounverb
Forms
- sumspluralnounverb
- summedpast tenseverbnoun
- summing-ing formverbnoun