sum
sum Lexical Profile
sum Game Scores & Validity
• noun
The total amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers, quantities, or items.
"The sum of the interior angles of any triangle is always 180 degrees."
A particular amount of money.
"The university received a generous sum of money to fund the new science laboratory."
The entire substance, essence, or comprehensive summary of a matter or series of thoughts.
"This final report represents the sum of our research over the past five years."
British An arithmetical calculation or math problem, especially as practiced in school.
"The children spent the morning practicing simple sums in their exercise books."
• verb
To give a brief, accurate summary of the main points or essence of something (usually used with 'up').
"The professor took a few minutes at the end of the lecture to sum up the key arguments."
To find the total of two or more numbers or quantities by addition.
"The spreadsheet formula automatically sums all the values in the selected column."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'sum' (a total or monetary amount) with its homophone 'some' (an unspecified quantity or portion).
• Rhymes for sum
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed via Anglo-Norman and Old French 'summe' from Latin 'summa' (the highest part, main point, or total), the feminine form of 'summus' (highest, topmost), because ancient Romans added columns of figures from the bottom upward and wrote the total at the top.