Total

/ˈtoʊtəl/

Meaning & Definition

noun
The whole amount; the sum.
The total of the sales for the month was impressive.
A complete amount or sum reached by addition.
To find the total, we need to add all the expenses together.
verb
To add up to a particular amount; to compute the total.
We need to total the receipts to see how much we've spent.
adjective
Complete or absolute; comprising the whole amount.
The total cost of the project exceeded our budget.
Entire; whole.
She has total confidence in her team's abilities.

Etymology

From Latin 'totalis', meaning 'whole' or 'entire'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

total chaos
A situation that is completely chaotic.
total package
An individual or thing that has all necessary qualities.
total loss
A situation where something is completely destroyed or deemed valueless.

Related Words

subtotal
The sum of a part of a whole, often used in billing.
totalitarian
Relating to a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial.

Slang Meanings

Used to describe something extreme or complete.
That party was total madness!
Referring to someone who is completely inept or foolish.
He is a total noob when it comes to sports.