add up — to calculate the total of numbers or amounts
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to calculate the total of numbers or amounts
Pronunciation (IPA): /æd ʌp/
Example Sentences
- My pizza delivery bills are starting to add up - I might need to learn how to cook!
- The evidence doesn't add up, Detective Holmes.
- I tried to add up my New Year's resolutions, but my calculator ran out of memory.
add up
VERB[/æd ʌp/]
to calculate the total of numbers or amounts
The numbers on her receipt add up perfectly to the cash in her hand.
Fed up with slow math? Speed up and add up with tech!
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The verb 'add' derives from Latin 'addere' (to add, to put to), combining 'ad-' (to) and 'dare' (to give). The phrasal verb 'add up' emerged in Middle English, developing from the literal sense of combining numbers upward to mean calculate or make sense.
Breakdown
add (from Latin addere: to put to, give to) + up (directional particle indicating upward movement or completion), originally used in arithmetical contexts to signify the accumulation of figures.
🎵Rhyme
📝Examples
“My pizza delivery bills are starting to add up - I might need to learn how to cook!”
“The evidence doesn't add up, Detective Holmes.”
“I tried to add up my New Year's resolutions, but my calculator ran out of memory.”
“Can you add up these figures for the monthly report?”
“My shopping receipts add up to more than my monthly salary!”
“His story about being abducted by aliens doesn't add up.”
“Can you add up these figures for the monthly report?”
“All those coffee purchases really add up over a year.”
“I tried to add up how many pizzas we ordered, but I kept losing count because I was too hungry.”
“The evidence against him is starting to add up.”
“My shopping addiction is getting serious - my credit card bills add up to more than my rent!”
“Please add up the scores from all three rounds.”
“I tried to add up my shopping expenses, but my math skills are as reliable as a chocolate teapot”
“The witness's story doesn't add up - he claims to be in two places at once”
“My cat somehow learned to add up the treats I give him and demands exactly five per day”
📚Related Words
Want to master 27,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.