sum up

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Word: Sum Up

Definition: "Sum up" is a verb phrase that means to give a brief summary of something, to explain the main points or ideas in a simple way. It can also mean to calculate the total of numbers or things.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "sum up" when you need to provide a quick overview or conclusion about a topic.
• It can be used in both speaking and writing.

Examples:

1. Summarizing Ideas:

   • "At the end of the meeting, she summed up the main points discussed."
   • "Can you sum up the story in a few sentences?"

2. Calculating Totals:

   • "If you sum up the numbers from the survey, you will see the total responses."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "sum up" can be used in formal writing or speeches to highlight key arguments: - "In conclusion, I would like to sum up the benefits of switching to renewable energy."

Word Variants:

• Summary (noun): A brief statement that presents the main points.
  • Example: "The summary of the report was very helpful."
• Summarize (verb): To give a brief statement of the main points.
  • Example: "Please summarize the article in your own words."

Different Meanings:

1. Mathematical Context: Referring to the act of adding numbers together.

   • Example: "When you sum up 5 and 10, the result is 15."

2. General Context: Referring to the act of concluding or bringing together information.

   • Example: "The teacher summed up the lesson by highlighting the key concepts."

Synonyms:

• Summarize
• Conclude
• Recap
• Outline
• Digest

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Wrap up: Similar meaning, often used informally to indicate finishing something.

  • Example: "Let’s wrap up this discussion."

• Break down: To analyze or explain something in simpler terms.

  • Example: "Let me break down the results for you before we sum them up."

Conclusion:

"Sum up" is a useful phrase for summarizing information or calculating totals. It can help you communicate effectively in both casual and formal situations.

Academic

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
3. give a summary (of)
   • he summed up his results
   • I will now summarize

Synonyms

• summarize
• summarise
• sum
• resume