Formal and Informal Expressions of total

In different contexts, you can replace 'total' with suitable alternatives. In a more formal setting, 'entire, complete' is apt. In informal speech or writing, 'whole, all-out' is a commonplace synonym.

total: Explore its Definition & Usage

total Definition

1the whole amount; the entire quantity or extent
2complete; absolute

Using total: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "total" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

Example
The total cost of the project is $10,000.
Example
The company's total revenue for the year was $1 million.
Example
The team scored a total of 20 points in the game.
Example
I spent the total day cleaning the house.

total Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for total

Antonyms for total

Idioms Using total

in total
altogether; overall
Example
There were 10 people in the room in total.
total wreck
something that is completely ruined or destroyed
Example
After the hurricane, the town was a total wreck.
total opposite
something or someone that is completely different from something or someone else
Example
My sister is the total opposite of me - she loves sports and hates reading.

Phrases with total

total eclipse
an eclipse in which the whole of the sun is obscured by the moon
Example
The next total eclipse will be visible from North America in 2024.
total stranger
a person who is completely unknown to another person
Example
I felt uncomfortable talking to a total stranger about my personal problems.
total package
a person or thing that has all the desirable qualities or features
Example
He's not just good-looking, he's the total package - smart, funny, and kind.

Origins of total

from Old French 'total', from Medieval Latin 'totalis', from Latin 'totus' meaning 'all'

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Summary: total in Brief

The term 'total' [ˈtoʊtl] refers to the whole amount or extent of something, exemplified by 'The total cost of the project is $10,000.' It can also mean complete or absolute, as in 'He's the total package - smart, funny, and kind.' 'Total' extends into phrases like 'in total,' and idioms like 'total wreck,' denoting complete destruction, and 'total opposite,' indicating complete difference.