sum Definition
- 1the total amount resulting from the addition of two or more numbers, amounts, or items
- 2a particular amount of money
Using sum: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sum" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The sum of 2 and 3 is 5.
Example
The sum of all the parts equals the whole.
Example
She spent a large sum of money on her vacation.
Example
He won a sum of $10,000 in the lottery.
sum Synonyms and Antonyms
Antonyms for sum
Phrases with sum
Example
In sum, the report concludes that the project is not feasible.
Example
The sum total of his possessions was a few clothes and a guitar.
a single payment made at one time, rather than several smaller payments over a period of time
Example
He received a lump sum payment for his retirement.
Origins of sum
from Old English 'sum', meaning 'a quantity of a thing'
Summary: sum in Brief
The term 'sum' [sʌm] refers to the total amount resulting from adding two or more numbers, amounts, or items. It can also refer to a particular amount of money. Phrases like 'in sum' and 'sum total' emphasize the entirety of something, while 'lump sum' refers to a single payment made at one time.