# sum

/ˈsəm/ (US) · /sˈʌm/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/sum
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. total amount

noun · CEFR A2

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

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

- The sum of five and seven is twelve.
- The final sum of the column was incorrect because the accountant had overlooked several small transactions from the previous quarter.

### 2. quantity of money

noun · CEFR B1

a specific amount of money.

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

- He paid a large sum of money for the vintage car.
- The charity received a substantial sum from an anonymous donor, allowing them to complete the construction of the new wing ahead of schedule.

### 3. math exercise

noun · CEFR B1 · British English

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

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

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

### 4. summary or gist

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal · Literary

the most important part or the main point of something.

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

- The sum of his argument was that we need to act now.
- The sum of her life's work was a profound commitment to social justice, visible in every policy she helped draft during her tenure.

### 5. to add up

verb · CEFR B2

to calculate the total of several numbers.

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

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

### 6. to summarize

verb · CEFR B2 · Formal

to give a short description of the main points.

For teachers: to present the substance of a matter in a concise form.

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

## Examples

- The sum of five and three is eight.
- The charity raised a large sum of money during the weekend auction to fund the new hospital wing.
- While the individual components of the theory are simple, the sum of its parts creates a remarkably complex framework for understanding modern economics.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.