What is altogether? Pronunciation and usage in English

altogether means . Learn how to pronounce and use altogether through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of altogether

altogetheradverb

/ˌɔːltəˈɡɛðə/
Definition & pronunciation of altogether

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "altogether" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. The Sounds:

  • Alt: This part sounds like "alt" as in "altar." It's a short, sharp "ah" sound.
  • -geth-: This is the trickiest part. It’s a combination of sounds:
    • g: Say "guh" (like the "g" in "go").
    • e: Say “eh” (as in “egg”)
    • th: This is a voiceless "th" sound, like in "think" or "thin."
  • -er: This is a simple "er" sound, like in "her."

2. Putting it Together - The Pronunciation:

The most common and accepted pronunciation is:

al-TOG-uh-ther

Let’s break it down syllable by syllable:

  • al – (as in "altar")
  • TOG – (pronounced like "toe" + "guh," with a quick, almost swallowed "g")
  • uh – (a short, unstressed "uh" sound - like the “a” in “about”)
  • ther – (as in “there”)

3. Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't stress too much on the "geth" part: It’s a quick, combined sound. Focus on the "guh-eh-th" together.
  • Avoid a long "o" sound: Don't say "al-TOG-o-ther." It needs to be a shorter "o."
  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it spoken! Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type “altogether” into Google Translate and click the speaker icon.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/altogether/ – A website with recordings of native speakers saying words in various accents.

Resources to Help You:

  • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce altogether" on YouTube - you'll find many helpful videos with visual demonstrations.

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed breakdown of one specific part (like the "geth" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word altogether in English

The word "altogether" is a versatile word in English, offering a range of nuanced meanings. Here's a breakdown of how to use it, with examples:

1. Altogether (Meaning: Completely, Entirely, Totally)

  • Usage: This is the most common usage. It means completely, entirely, or utterly. It’s a stronger version of "completely."
  • Examples:
    • “The weather is altogether awful today.” (The weather is completely awful.)
    • “He is altogether finished with that project.” (He is completely finished with the project.)
    • “She was altogether overwhelmed by the number of guests.” (She was entirely overwhelmed.)

2. Altogether (Meaning: In addition to, Including)

  • Usage: Here, “altogether” acts like “all together” or “in total.” It’s used to specify a sum or a group of things.
  • Examples:
    • “I’ve spent altogether £50 on groceries this week.” (I’ve spent a total of £50 on groceries.)
    • "We’re altogether five people going on the trip.” (There are altogether five people going on the trip – meaning a total of five.)
    • "The children were altogether exhausted after playing all day.” (The children were completely exhausted, including all the playing they did.)

3. Altogether (Meaning: In a Different/Combined Way)

  • Usage: This usage is less common and often used to suggest a change or combination of qualities. It can imply a new or blended state.
  • Examples:
    • “She looks altogether happier now that she’s moved.” (She looks happier, completely, as a result of moving.) – This suggests a shift in her happiness level.
    • "The garden looks altogether more inviting after the planting.” (The garden looks more inviting, in its combined state after the planting.) – It’s the combination of elements that makes it more inviting.

Key Points & Tips:

  • Placement: “Altogether” usually comes at the beginning of the sentence when used as “completely.” It's less common to see it at the end of a sentence in this meaning.
  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "altogether" depends heavily on the context of the sentence. Pay attention to the surrounding words to understand the intended meaning.
  • Synonyms: Consider using synonyms like “completely,” “entirely,” “totally,” “all together,” “in total,” or “in combination” depending on the desired nuance.

Let’s test your understanding:

Fill in the blank with the most appropriate meaning of “altogether”:

  1. “I've spent _______ £20 on my birthday present.”
  2. “She looks _______ different after her haircut.”
  3. “We’re _______ four people going to the concert.”

Answers:

  1. Altogether (meaning: In total)
  2. Altogether (meaning: Completely)
  3. Altogether (meaning: In total)

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples?
  • Explain a specific nuance of its use?
  • Provide a quiz to test your understanding further?

Synonyms for the word altogether

Practice with vocabulary altogether

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The team decided to abandon the project ___ due to budget constraints.
  2. She felt ___ exhausted after the long meeting, but she still managed to complete her tasks.
  3. The company’s profits dropped ___ by 15% last quarter.
  4. We need to consider all the factors ___ before making a decision.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best completes the sentence? "The idea was ___ rejected after the discussion."
    a) altogether
    b) entirely
    c) together
    d) completely

  2. Select the correct word(s) to replace the blank. "The project was ___ canceled due to unforeseen circumstances."
    a) altogether
    b) partially
    c) entirely
    d) fully

  3. Which option fits the sentence? "The committee agreed to ___ dismiss the proposal."
    a) altogether
    b) somewhat
    c) nearly

  4. Choose the most appropriate word. "The two companies decided to merge ___ to increase their market share."
    a) together
    b) entirely
    c) altogether

  5. Which word is incorrect in this context? "The report was ___ ignored by the management, leading to confusion."
    a) altogether
    b) completely
    c) halfway

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: "The plan was dropped entirely after the review."
    Rewrite using "altogether".

  2. Original: "They decided to stop the project completely due to lack of funds."
    Rewrite using "altogether".

  3. Original: "The team worked together to finish the assignment."
    Rewrite without using "altogether".

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. altogether
  2. utterly
  3. entirely
  4. altogether

Exercise 2:

  1. a) altogether
  2. a) altogether, c) entirely, d) fully
  3. a) altogether
  4. a) together
  5. c) halfway

Exercise 3:

  1. "The plan was dropped altogether after the review."
  2. "They decided to stop the project altogether due to lack of funds."
  3. "The team collaborated to finish the assignment."

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