26984 words

total

18 definitions • 35 examples
1
the amount you get when several smaller amounts are added together:

Examples:

At that time of day, cars with only one occupant accounted for almost 80 percent of the total.
A total of 21 horses were entered in the race.
We made $1,000 in total, over three days of trading.
2
including everything:

Examples:

the total cost
Total losses were $800.
3
very great or of the largest degree possible:

Examples:

total secrecy
a total disregard for their feelings
total silence
The organization of the event was a total shambles (= very bad).
The collapse, when it came, was total.
4
to have as a complete amount, or to calculate this:

Examples:

This is the eighth volume in the series, which totals 21 volumes in all.
We totalled (up) the money we had each earned, and then shared it equally between the three of us.
5
to damage a vehicle so badly that it cannot be repaired:

Examples:

His son totaled the pickup when it was ten months old.
6
to damage something extremely badly:

Examples:

The company hasn't just jeopardized its brand; it may have totaled it.
7
the whole amount:

Examples:

Add these up and give me the total.
We paid a total of $473.
8
In total means including everything added together:

Examples:

Last week 45 people in total came to the senior center.
9

Examples:

Negotiations had to be held in total secrecy.
10
including the whole amount:

Examples:

Total grain exports have increased.
11
to destroy something completely:

Examples:

She didn’t total the car, but she did a lot of damage.
12
to have as a whole amount, or to calculate this:

Examples:

This history series totals twelve volumes in all.
13
the amount or number that you get when several smaller amounts are added together:

Examples:

a total of $20/£1,000/€3m, etc. We calculated all costs to the company and came to a total of $5,500.
We employ 534 staff in total.
We have a large workforce with women representing 30% of the total.
14
including everything in a calculation or every person in a group:

Examples:

total cost/expense These figures show the total cost of the project including staff salaries.
total gains/losses Can you give us an idea of our total losses?
The UK All Companies performance category averaged an 18.1% total return over the year.
Women represent a very small percentage of our total workforce.
15
complete or very great:

Examples:

The project was a total disaster.
The audience listened in total silence.
16
to add up to a particular amount:

Examples:

The annual salary bill totals more than $3 million.
They incurred losses totalling over $2 million.
17
to add up amounts to get a final number:

Examples:

All costs have been totaled at the bottom of the column.
When they totalled up their losses, they realised they could not continue in business.
18
to destroy a car in an accident:

Examples:

They will pay the full cost to buy a new car if you total your car within the first year.

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