Add up to

verb

To equal a particular amount when everything is added together.

The small amounts of money they managed to save each month eventually added up to a sizable sum.
Visual representation of "add up to" - To equal a particular amount when everything is added together.

Often appears as...

  • add up to the total
  • add up to a significant amount
verb

To seem reasonable or likely, to make sense.

His story of getting robbed just doesn't add up to the evidence.
Visual representation of "add up to" - To seem reasonable or likely, to make sense

Often appears as...

  • doesn't add up to the evidence
  • doesn't add up to the truth

Usage tips

Disapproving

verb

To equal a particular amount when everything is added together.

The small amounts of money they managed to save each month eventually added up to a sizable sum.
Visual representation of "add up to" - To equal a particular amount when everything is added together.

Often appears as...

  • add up to the total
  • add up to a significant amount
verb

To seem reasonable or likely, to make sense.

His story of getting robbed just doesn't add up to the evidence.
Visual representation of "add up to" - To seem reasonable or likely, to make sense

Often appears as...

  • doesn't add up to the evidence
  • doesn't add up to the truth

Usage tips

Disapproving

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "add up to"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Clues

Pay attention to context; 'add up to' involves accumulation of things, usually numerical.

Illustration for Context Clues
Her weekly earnings add up to her monthly budget.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Small Contributions

Understand that 'add up to' can describe how small amounts or acts contribute to a larger whole.

Illustration for Small Contributions
A number of small donations added up to a substantial charity fund.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Result Emphasis

It emphasizes the result of adding multiple things together.

Illustration for Result Emphasis
Their joint efforts added up to the project's success.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Clues

Pay attention to context; 'add up to' involves accumulation of things, usually numerical.

Illustration for Context Clues
Her weekly earnings add up to her monthly budget.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Small Contributions

Understand that 'add up to' can describe how small amounts or acts contribute to a larger whole.

Illustration for Small Contributions
A number of small donations added up to a substantial charity fund.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Result Emphasis

It emphasizes the result of adding multiple things together.

Illustration for Result Emphasis
Their joint efforts added up to the project's success.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Context Clues

Pay attention to context; 'add up to' involves accumulation of things, usually numerical.

Illustration for Context Clues
Her weekly earnings add up to her monthly budget.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Small Contributions

Understand that 'add up to' can describe how small amounts or acts contribute to a larger whole.

Illustration for Small Contributions
A number of small donations added up to a substantial charity fund.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Result Emphasis

It emphasizes the result of adding multiple things together.

Illustration for Result Emphasis
Their joint efforts added up to the project's success.
Visual representation of the word "Add up to"

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