sums

Noun

sum (plural sums)

1. A quantity obtained by addition or aggregation.
   • The sum of 3 and 4 is 7.

   Synonyms:

   sum total, total, totality

2. (often, plural) An arithmetic computation, especially one posed to a student as an exercise (not necessarily limited to addition).
   • We're learning about division, and the sums are tricky.

   Synonyms:

   calculation, computation

3. A quantity of money.
   • a tidy sum

   Synonyms:

   amount, quantity of money, sum of money

4. A summary; the principal points or thoughts when viewed together; the substance.
   • This is the sum of all the evidence in the case.

   Synonyms:

   compendium, summation, abridgment, abstract, bottom line, conspectus, digest, epitome, outline, overview

5. A central idea or point; gist.

   Synonyms:

   bowels, brass tacks, core, crux, essence, gist, drift, guts, gravamen, heart

6. (literary, rare) The utmost degree; the greatest or most perfect realization (of some concept).
   • Thus I have told thee all my State, and brought / My Storie to the ſum of earthly bliſs[…]1667, John Milton, “Book VII”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished...

   Synonyms:

   summit, apex, apogee, crest, crown, culmen, fastigium, height, peak, pinnacle

See all 13 meanings of sum