Word
totality
Phoneticsto·tal·i·ty, stress on the second syllable
US/toʊˈtæɫəti/
UK/təʊtˈælɪti/
Definition
n. the whole amount or the entire collection of something. In astronomy, it refers to the complete amount of light or energy coming from an object.
n. the whole or entire amount of something; in an astronomical context, the total flux or luminosity of an object.
Examples
“The telescope measures the total light from the distant galaxy.”
“Astronomers calculated the total energy output of the supernova to understand its impact on the surrounding nebula.”
“The study of the totality of cosmic microwave background radiation provides critical evidence for the early conditions of the universe following the Big Bang.”
Examples
simple
“The telescope measures the total light from the distant galaxy.”
contextual
“Astronomers calculated the total energy output of the supernova to understand its impact on the surrounding nebula.”
complex
“The study of the totality of cosmic microwave background radiation provides critical evidence for the early conditions of the universe following the Big Bang.”
Real-World Examples
“To experience the true marvel of the eclipse, one had to be in the path of totality – which this week crossed over Greenland, Iceland and Spain.” “At 20:31 CEST, the observatory will experience 1 minute and 21 seconds of totality, revealing the Sun’s normally hidden outer atmosphere.” “The length of the totality on land will make next year's eclipse remarkable, says Dr Ed Bloomer, an astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich.” “The path of totality passed through portions of Greenland, Iceland, Spain and Portugal.” Etymology
From total + -ity.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADVERB
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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QR code
englishreference.com/q/totality