Add Up

Pronunciation: /æd ʌp/

Definitions of add up

verb to calculate the total of numbers or amounts

Example Sentences

A1 I can add up numbers in my head.

A2 She asked me to add up the total cost of the groceries.

B1 It's important to add up all the expenses before making a budget.

B2 The evidence presented in court just doesn't add up.

C1 The accountant was able to add up all the financial records accurately.

C2 The detective had to carefully add up all the clues to solve the case.

adverb used to describe the manner in which something is added up

Example Sentences

A1 I can't make the numbers add up in my head.

A2 She tried to add up the total cost of the groceries.

B1 It doesn't add up that he would leave without saying goodbye.

B2 The evidence just doesn't add up to support his alibi.

C1 The figures simply don't add up in the financial report.

C2 After hours of investigation, everything finally began to add up and make sense.

Origin and Evolution of add up

First Known Use: 1250 year

Language of Origin: Middle English

Story behind the word: The phrase 'add up' originated from Middle English, where 'add' meant 'to count or reckon' and 'up' was used to intensify the action.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'add up' has evolved to mean not only to calculate or sum numbers but also to make sense or be logical in a broader context.