sum

UK: sʌm | US: sʌm

Definition

  1. n. the total amount resulting from the addition of numbers or quantities

  2. n. a particular amount of money

  3. n. the essence or gist of something

  4. vt. to calculate the total of numbers or quantities

Structure
sum <total, from Latin *summa*>
Etymology

The word "sum" originates from the Latin summa, meaning "the highest part" or "total." This reflects its mathematical use to denote the result of adding numbers together. Over time, it expanded to signify the essence or main point of something (e.g., "sum of the argument"). The Latin root summa itself derives from summus ("highest"), linking to the idea of culmination or totality.

Examples

  1. The sum of 5 and 7 is 12.

  2. He donated a large sum to charity.

  3. In sum, the project was a success.

  4. Can you sum these numbers for me?

  5. The report captures the sum of our findings.