sum
- 01 A2 Elementary
n.the total amount you get when you add two or more numbers together.
n.the aggregate amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers, quantities, or items.
Simple“The sum of five and seven is twelve.”
In context“The final sum of the column was incorrect because the accountant had overlooked several small transactions from the previous quarter.”
Antonyms - 02 B1 Intermediate
n.a specific amount of money.
n.a particular amount of money, often implying a significant or specific quantity.
Simple“He paid a large sum of money for the vintage car.”
In context“The charity received a substantial sum from an anonymous donor, allowing them to complete the construction of the new wing ahead of schedule.”
- 03 B1 Intermediate
n.a math problem or calculation, especially one given to students.
n.an arithmetic calculation or problem, typically one assigned as a school exercise.
Simple“The teacher asked the children to do their sums in their notebooks.”
In context“Primary school students are expected to master mental sums before they are permitted to use calculators in the classroom.”
UsageOften used in the plural 'sums' when referring to schoolwork.
Synonyms - 04 C1 Advanced
n.the most important part or the main point of something.
n.the essence, substance, or principal points of a matter when viewed as a whole.
Simple“The sum of his argument was that we need to act now.”
In context“The sum of her life's work was a profound commitment to social justice, visible in every policy she helped draft during her tenure.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to calculate the total of several numbers.
v.to find the total of a set of numbers or quantities through addition.
Simple“If you sum these figures, you will see the profit margin.”
In context“The software is designed to sum the daily receipts automatically and generate a report for the management team by midnight.”
UsageOften used with the particle 'up' as the phrasal verb 'sum up'.
- 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to give a short description of the main points.
v.to present the substance of a matter in a concise form.
Simple“To sum, the project was a success despite the early delays.”
In context“The chairman attempted to sum the committee's findings in a single paragraph, though many members felt this omitted crucial nuances.”
UsageFrequently appears as the phrasal verb 'sum up' in both speech and writing.
Usage large sum · sum of
“Behind the catchy line, however, is a club in the red to the sum of £1.3bn.”
“One headline summed it up: “Rodri is next”.”