totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈta-lə-tē 

plural totalities

1

: an aggregate amount : sum, whole

the totality of human knowledge

2

a

: the quality or state of being total : wholeness

This … looks at the problem globally, in its totality.

—Philip Landrigan, quoted at NPR.org

b

: the phase of an eclipse during which it is total : the state of total eclipse

Synonyms

• aggregate
• full
• sum
• sum total
• summation
• total
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Once operational next year, the satellites will orbit Earth in an intricate dance, creating artificial eclipses that will last up to six hours—far longer than the mere moments of totality offered by a natural solar eclipse. —Jason Fields, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

Quantum particles, for example, reveal something of this whole, atoms built from quantum particles reveal more, and molecular structures reveal even more of this quantum-level totality. —Pravir Malik, Forbes, 4 Dec. 2024

Based on your clear-eyed appraisal of the totality. —Jim Vandehei, Axios, 3 Dec. 2024

Not just wins, not just losses, but the totality of the season and how those teams performed . —Adam Lichtenstein, Sun Sentinel, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing totality

• in its/their totality

Kids Definition

totality

noun

to·​tal·​i·​ty tō-ˈtal-ət-ē 

plural totalities

1

: a combined amount : sum, whole

2

: the quality or state of being total : entirety

rejected the scheme in its totality