altogether

Everyday

1. Altogether means counting everything together as one total. tree →
2. Altogether means completely: the noise stopped altogether. tree →
3. Altogether can mean on the whole, when you think of everything. tree →

In the lessons

the total of two or more parts or groups (a strong «add» cue in word problems); in everyday life «stop altogether», «a different thing altogether»; at the shop «that's 5 dollars altogether»

Examples

• Anna found 8 cards and then found 6 more. How many cards did Anna find altogether? tree →
• Ben has 7 pens and Lucy has 9 pens. How many pens do they have altogether? tree →
• There are 4 boxes with 6 crayons in each. How many crayons are there altogether? tree →
• That will be 12 dollars altogether, please. tree →
• The rain stopped altogether by lunchtime. tree →
• It was a wonderful day altogether. tree →
• Our class raised 85 pounds altogether at the bake sale. tree →
• It was altogether a ridiculous concert. tree →

Note

A strong total cue: join the parts (add), or multiply when the parts are equal groups. Trap: it can follow a removal, as in «how many are left altogether», which is still subtraction first. Do not mix «altogether» (in total, completely) with «all together» (everyone in one place or at once: «Sing all together!»).

In Jewish tradition

It stresses completeness, as in Mount Sinai being wholly wrapped in smoke. In the primary lessons: the total of two or more parts or groups (a strong «add» cue in word problems); in everyday life «stop altogether», «a different thing altogether»; at the shop «that's 5 dollars altogether»

Examples

• I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether.' (Torah NUM.23.11, JPS 1917) tree →
• I will go down now, and see whether they have done altogether according to the cry of it, which is come unto Me; and if not, I will know.' (Torah GEN.18.21, JPS 1917) tree →
• Now mount Sinai was altogether on smoke, because the LORD descended upon it in fire; and the smoke thereof ascended as the smoke of a furnace, and the whole mount quaked greatly. (Torah EXO.19.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• I would with one step burn it altogether. (Prophets ISA.27.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• His mouth is most sweet; yea, he is altogether lovely. (Writings SNG.5.16, JPS 1917) tree →
• Oh that ye would altogether hold your peace! and it would be your wisdom. (Writings JOB.13.5, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A strong total cue: join the parts (add), or multiply when the parts are equal groups. Trap: it can follow a removal, as in «how many are left altogether», which is still subtraction first. Do not mix «altogether» (in total, completely) with «all together» (everyone in one place or at once: «Sing all together!»).