sum

/sʌm/
nounBeginner total amount
general

The total amount resulting from addition

She calculated the sum of all expenses.

She added up all the costs to find the total amount.

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Commonly used in mathematics and finance.

mathematics

A quantity obtained by adding numbers

The sum of 5 and 7 is 12.

When you add 5 and 7 together, the result is 12.

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In math, 'sum' refers to the result of an addition operation.

general

A brief statement of the essential points of something

The article provided a concise sum of the research findings.

The article gave a short summary of the key research results.

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Less common usage, often interchangeable with 'summary'.

Collocations

sum upto summarize or add upin sumin summary or conclusion

Related Phrases

sum upphrasal verb
to summarize or add up
in sumphrase
in summary or conclusion

💡Pro Tip

Mathematical vs. General Use

In math, 'sum' refers to the result of addition, while in general use, it can mean a total amount or a brief summary.

Gold Rule

Correct Usage

Use 'sum' for totals in math or finance, and 'summary' for brief overviews.

📖Word Origin

From Middle English 'somme', from Old French 'somme', from Latin 'summa' meaning 'highest, total'.

📝Usage Notes

Primarily used in mathematical and financial contexts, but can also mean a brief summary.

Word Breakdown

sum
total or highest amount
root
English Dictionary