add up

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Explanation of "Add Up"

Basic Definition:
"Add up" is a phrasal verb that has a few meanings. Generally, it means to combine numbers to find a total, or to make sense in a logical way.

Usage Instructions:

• As a verb: You can use "add up" when you are talking about numbers, amounts, or when something makes sense logically.

Meanings and Examples:

1. To calculate the total of something:

   • Example: "If you add up all the expenses, we spent $500 on the trip."
   • Here, it means to sum all the expenses together.

2. To make sense or be logical:

   • Example: "His explanation doesn’t add up; it contradicts what he said before."
   • In this context, it means that his explanation is not logical or reasonable.

3. To grow or develop into something significant:

   • Example: "All these small savings can add up to a large amount over time."
   • This means that small contributions can lead to a larger total eventually.

Advanced Usage:

• "Add up" can also be used in discussions about plans or ideas that may not lead to success.
  • Example: "Her plans for the business didn’t add up; they seemed unrealistic."
  • This suggests that the plans do not seem practical or feasible.

Word Variants:

• Addition (noun): The process of adding numbers.
  • Example: "The addition of new staff will help the company grow."

Different Meanings:

• In some contexts, "add up" can imply that something is not just about numbers, but also about understanding the bigger picture or implications of a situation.

Synonyms:

• Calculate: To find the total by adding.
  • Example: "You need to calculate the total cost before you buy anything."
• Make sense: To be logical or reasonable.
  • Example: "Your argument makes sense."

Idioms & Related Phrasal Verbs:

• "Add up to": This phrase means to result in a particular total or outcome.

  • Example: "All his efforts add up to nothing."

• "Sum up": Also a phrasal verb that means to give a summary or total.

  • Example: "Can you sum up what we discussed in the meeting?"

Summary:

"Add up" is a versatile phrase used in both mathematical and logical contexts. It can refer to calculating totals or assessing whether something makes sense.

Academic

Verb

1. be reasonable or logical or comprehensible
2. add up in number or quantity
   • The bills amounted to $2,000
   • The bill came to $2,000
3. determine the sum of
   • Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
4. develop into
   • This idea will never amount to anything
   • nothing came of his grandiose plans

Synonyms

• make sense
• total
• number
• come
• amount