totalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2formal, academic, technical
Quick answer
What does “totalize” mean?
to combine separate amounts into a single sum or whole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
to combine separate amounts into a single sum or whole; to make something total or complete.
To treat or view a diverse group as a single, uniform entity, often overlooking individual differences; to impose uniformity on varied elements.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in academic and technical writing in both varieties. No significant difference in core meaning, but frequency might be slightly higher in American sociological or critical theory contexts.
Connotations
Can carry a neutral, mathematical connotation ('to sum up') or a negative, critical connotation ('to reductively combine diverse elements').
Frequency
Low-frequency verb. Its noun form 'totalization' is more common in critical theory and philosophy.
Grammar
How to Use “totalize” in a Sentence
[Subject] totalizes [Object]It is impossible to totalize [Object][Subject] seeks to totalize [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “totalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The council will totalise the votes from all districts.
- Critics argue the model totalises individual experiences in a problematic way.
- Please totalise the columns and enter the figure in the bottom row.
American English
- The algorithm totalizes user data for the quarterly report.
- His approach totalizes history, ignoring regional particularities.
- We need to totalize the expenses from all departments.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in accounting or data analysis contexts, e.g., 'The software totalizes monthly expenses.'
Academic
Common in sociology, philosophy, and critical theory to critique unifying narratives, e.g., 'The theory risks totalizing complex social phenomena.'
Everyday
Very rare. Might be used humorously or pretentiously for adding up bills or scores.
Technical
Used in statistics, data processing, and systems engineering to describe aggregation functions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “totalize”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “totalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “totalize”
- Using it as a direct synonym for 'calculate' (it's more specific).
- Using it in informal contexts where 'add up' or 'total' is more natural.
- Confusing it with 'totalise' (UK spelling variant).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is a low-frequency, formal word primarily used in academic, technical, or critical discourse.
'Total' as a verb is more common and concrete, meaning to reach a sum or amount to (e.g., 'costs totalled £100'). 'Totalize' is more abstract and often implies a systematic or conceptual process of unification or summation.
Yes, especially in humanities and social sciences. It can imply a reductive or oppressive act of forcing diversity into a single, oversimplified category.
Both 'totalize' and 'totalise' are accepted, with '-ise' being a common British variant, though '-ize' is also correct and often used in academic publishing.
to combine separate amounts into a single sum or whole.
Totalize is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Totalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈtəʊtəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈtoʊtəlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a TOTAL sIZer – a machine that sizes up everything and makes it into one total.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS SUMMING: To understand is to add all parts together. SOCIETY IS A MACHINE: The verb can imply treating a complex social body as a single mechanism to be measured and controlled.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the verb 'totalize' most appropriately used?