Words / B2

orlt-uh-GETH-uh/ˌɔːltəˈɡeðə/

Altogether means completely, or when everything is added up: altogether different, fifty pounds altogether. Completely and in total are the everyday splits of those two senses. Do not confuse it with all together (everyone in one place: we sat all together). All in all is a looser spoken cousin for “taking everything into account.”

Meaning

Completely, or when everything is added together.

Examples

• “The idea was altogether new to me.”
• “The second draft was altogether clearer than the first.”
• “There were twelve of us altogether, including the tutor.”

Good to know

completely / in total. Contrast: all together = everyone in one group. Everyday: completely / in total.

Near in meaning

completely

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