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

The Bonn Challenge, a global initiative aiming to restore 350 million hectares of degraded land by 2030, has already secured commitments from 61 countries, with total pledging to restore 210 million hectares in totality. —Dianne Plummer, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Just say 'totality of the circumstances' and by the time anyone who cares finds out, the application will be granted. —Ars Technica, 20 Mar. 2025

Unlike the more rare total solar eclipse, which had a path of totality through only a portion of the United States last year, the total lunar eclipse will be viewable in all of the lower 48 states. —Nicole Fallert, USA TODAY, 13 Mar. 2025

During totality, the moon enters Earth's umbra—the darkest, central part of its shadow—and gradually dims. —Michael D'estries, Travel + Leisure, 13 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing totality

• in its/their totality

Rhymes for totality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

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