sum

/sʌm/

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The word "sum" can be both a noun and a verb, and it has a few different meanings depending on the context. Let's break it down simply.

As a Noun:

1. Basic Definition: The "sum" refers to the total amount you get when you add numbers together. For example, if you add 2 and 3, the sum is 5.

   • Example: "The sum of 4 and 6 is 10."

2. Amount of Money: It can also mean a specific amount of money.

   • Example: "He borrowed a large sum of money to buy a car."

3. Overall Idea: Sometimes, "sum" refers to the main point or the most important part of something.

   • Example: "The sum of the argument is that we need to work together."

As a Verb:

1. To Add: When you use "sum" as a verb, it means to find the total by adding numbers together.

   • Example: "Please sum the scores of all the students."

2. To Summarize: It can also mean to give a brief overview or main ideas of something.

   • Example: "The report sums up the findings of the study."

Advanced Usage:

• In mathematics, "sum" can refer to the result of adding two or more quantities, often seen in equations and calculations.
• In academic writing, "sum" might be used to refer to summarizing complex ideas into a simpler form.

Variants:

• Summation (noun): This refers to the process of adding numbers together.
• Summarize (verb): To give a brief statement of the main points.

Different Meanings:

• The sum can mean the total of a group of items, but it can also refer to the essence or core of a discussion or idea.

Synonyms:

• Total
• Aggregate
• Amount
• Gist (when referring to the essence of something)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "In sum": This means in conclusion or to summarize.

  • Example: "In sum, we need more time to finish the project."

• "Sum up": To summarize or conclude.

  • Example: "Can you sum up the main points of the meeting?"

Summary:

"Sum" is a versatile word that is primarily used in mathematics but can also refer to the main points of an idea or the total of an amount of money.

Academic

Noun

1. a set containing all and only the members of two or more given sets
   • let C be the union of the sets A and B
2. the whole amount
3. the choicest or most essential or most vital part of some idea or experience
   • the gist of the prosecutor's argument
   • the heart and soul of the Republican Party
   • the nub of the story
4. the final aggregate
   • the sum of all our troubles did not equal the misery they suffered
5. a quantity obtained by the addition of a group of numbers
6. a quantity of money
   • he borrowed a large sum
   • the amount he had in cash was insufficient

Verb

1. determine the sum of
   • Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
2. be a summary of
   • The abstract summarizes the main ideas in the paper

Synonyms

• union
• join
• total
• totality
• aggregate
• kernel
• substance
• core
• center
• centre
• essence
• gist
• heart
• heart and soul
• inwardness
• summation
• sum total
• amount
• sum of money
• amount of money
• summarize
• summarise
• sum up