tally Definition
- 1a record or count of a number of things
- 2to match or agree with something
- 3to score points in a game or competition
Using tally: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "tally" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
I kept a tally of the number of books I read this year.
Example
The numbers on the two sheets don't tally.
Example
He tallied three goals in the first half of the game.
tally Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using tally
Example
She always keeps tally of her expenses to make sure she doesn't overspend.
Example
I lost tally of how many times he interrupted me during the meeting.
Example
He settled the tally with the bartender before leaving the pub.
Phrases with tally
tally up
to calculate or add up a total
Example
Let's tally up the scores and see who won.
Example
The cashier used a tally sheet to keep track of the sales.
tally stick
a stick or notched piece of wood used for keeping a record or count of something
Example
In ancient times, people used tally sticks to keep track of their livestock.
Origins of tally
from Old English 'talig', meaning 'reckoning, calculation'
Summary: tally in Brief
The term 'tally' [ˈtæli] refers to recording or counting a number of things, matching or agreeing with something, or scoring points in a game or competition. It includes phrases like 'tally up,' meaning to calculate a total, and idioms like 'keep tally,' denoting keeping a record or count of something, and 'settle the tally,' implying paying off a debt or balance.
