What is total? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of total

totaladjective/noun

/ˈtəʊtl/
Definition & pronunciation of total

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "total" in English. There are two common pronunciations, and they sound slightly different:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (American English):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈtɒtəl/ (Sounds like "tot-uhl")
  • Breakdown:
    • "tot": Sounds like the word "tot" (as in a small child). It's a short, quick "t" sound.
    • "uhl": This is a very quick "uh" sound, like the "a" in "about". It's almost like a schwa sound (the most common vowel sound in English and often a relaxed, unstressed vowel).

2. The Traditional Pronunciation (British English):

  • Pronunciation: /ˈtῶtəl/ (Sounds like "tot-uhl" with a slightly more emphasized "uh" sound)
  • Breakdown: Similar to the American pronunciation, but the "uh" sound is a little bit longer and more pronounced.

Here's a little more detail to help you:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("tot").
  • Vowel Sound: The vowel sound in "tot" is a short "o" sound, not like the "oh" in "boat."

Resources for Hearing the Pronunciation:

  • Forvs: https://forvo.com/word/%C3%97%C3%97tl/ (This website lets you hear native speakers pronounce the word)
  • YouTube: Search on YouTube for "how to pronounce total" and you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

To help me tailor the explanation even more, could you tell me:

  • Which English variety are you interested in (American or British)?

Usage and examples with the word total in English

Let's break down how to use the word "total" in English. It's a versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a detailed explanation, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (The Sum):

  • Meaning: This is the most common usage. "Total" refers to the sum of all the parts of something.
  • Examples:
    • "What’s the total cost of the groceries?" (Meaning: the sum of all the prices)
    • "The total distance is 100 miles." (Meaning: all the miles added together)
    • "The total number of students in the class is 30."
    • “Let’s get the total amount of money we have.”

2. As an Adjective (Complete & Entire):

  • Meaning: When used as an adjective, "total" describes something that is complete, whole, or exhaustive.
  • Examples:
    • "It's a total disaster!" (Meaning: completely disastrous)
    • "They had a total blackout." (Meaning: a complete loss of power)
    • "A total stranger." (Meaning: someone you don't know at all)
    • "He's a total waste of space." (Meaning: completely useless)

3. As a Verb (To Calculate):

  • Meaning: "To total" means to calculate the sum of something.
  • Examples:
    • "Let's total the numbers on this invoice." (Meaning: add them up)
    • "I'll total the bill and give you the change."
    • “Can you total these figures for me?”

4. Specific Phrases & Contexts:

  • "Total bill/amount/price": This is a very common phrase referring to the sum of all the costs. “The total bill came to $50.”
  • "Total loss": Meaning complete destruction or failure. "The company suffered a total loss due to the fire."
  • "Total recall": (Often used in movies/TV) Referring to perfect memory. "The spy had total recall of every detail."
  • "Total immersion": Meaning complete involvement or absorption. “The students experienced total immersion in the foreign culture.”
  • “Total [adjective]”: This structure is used to intensify an adjective. “It’s a totally amazing experience.” (meaning incredibly amazing).

Tips for Using "Total" Correctly:

  • Pay attention to the context: The meaning of "total" changes depending on whether it's used as a noun, adjective, or verb.
  • Consider synonyms: Sometimes using a synonym (like "sum," "entire," or "complete") can make your writing clearer.
  • Practice: The best way to master the use of "total" is to practice using it in sentences.

Can you give me a sentence where you’d like to use the word “total”? I can then tell you how to best incorporate it.

Synonyms for the word total

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