What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
totalizer
Example
The cash register has a built-in totalizer that shows the total sales for the day. [totalizer: noun]
Example
The totalizer on the treadmill tracks the distance you have run. [totalizer: noun]
Example
The power plant uses a totalizer to measure the amount of electricity generated. [totalizer: noun]
tally
Example
The election officials kept a tally of the votes cast by each candidate. [tally: noun]
Example
He made a tally on the board to keep track of the score. [tally: noun]
Example
The shepherd used a tally stick to keep track of the number of sheep in his flock. [tally stick: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Tally is more commonly used than totalizer in everyday language, especially in informal settings. Totalizer is more specialized and is typically used in technical or scientific contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between totalizer and tally?
Totalizer is more formal than tally, which is often used in informal settings and has a longer history of use.
