ENGLISH
REFERENCE

sum

n. · v.
US //ˈsəm// UK //sˈʌm// sum
  1. 1 total amount (n.)
    A2 Elementary Math

    the total amount you get when you add two or more numbers together.

    the aggregate amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers, quantities, or items.

    Example

    The sum of five and seven is twelve.

    Example

    The final sum of the column was incorrect because the accountant had overlooked several small transactions from the previous quarter.
  2. 2 quantity of money (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    a specific amount of money.

    a particular amount of money, often implying a significant or specific quantity.

    Example

    He paid a large sum of money for the vintage car.

    Example

    The charity received a substantial sum from an anonymous donor, allowing them to complete the construction of the new wing ahead of schedule.
Show 4 more sensesShow fewer
  1. 3 math exercise (n.)
    B1 Intermediate British English Math

    a math problem or calculation, especially one given to students.

    an arithmetic calculation or problem, typically one assigned as a school exercise.

    Example

    The teacher asked the children to do their sums in their notebooks.

    Example

    Primary school students are expected to master mental sums before they are permitted to use calculators in the classroom.

    Usage

    Often used in the plural 'sums' when referring to schoolwork.
  2. 4 summary or gist (n.)
    C1 Advanced Formal Literary

    the most important part or the main point of something.

    the essence, substance, or principal points of a matter when viewed as a whole.

    Example

    The sum of his argument was that we need to act now.

    Example

    The sum of her life's work was a profound commitment to social justice, visible in every policy she helped draft during her tenure.
  3. 5 to add up (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Math

    to calculate the total of several numbers.

    to find the total of a set of numbers or quantities through addition.

    Example

    If you sum these figures, you will see the profit margin.

    Example

    The software is designed to sum the daily receipts automatically and generate a report for the management team by midnight.

    Usage

    Often used with the particle 'up' as the phrasal verb 'sum up'.
  4. 6 to summarize (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    to give a short description of the main points.

    to present the substance of a matter in a concise form.

    Example

    To sum, the project was a success despite the early delays.

    Example

    The chairman attempted to sum the committee's findings in a single paragraph, though many members felt this omitted crucial nuances.

    Usage

    Frequently appears as the phrasal verb 'sum up' in both speech and writing.
Word family

© 2026 English Reference