Part of Speech

Adverb

Pronunciation

/ˌɔːltəˈɡɛðə(r)/

Definitions

• Completely; totally; in total.
• In all; as a whole; in sum.
• Used to indicate that something is done or understood in its entirety.

Usage Examples

• It was altogether a great experience.
• Altogether, the concert was a huge success.
• The decision to leave was altogether unexpected.

Etymology

From Middle English "altogeder," meaning "altogether, entirely," from Old English "altogedere," from "all" + "together."

Synonyms

• Completely
• Entirely
• Totally
• Wholly
• Fully

Antonyms

• Partially
• Incompletely
• Fractionally

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English: /ˌɔːltəˈɡɛðə(r)/
• In American English: /ˌɔːltəˈɡɛðər/
• In Australian English: /ˌɔːltəˈɡɛðə(r)/

Historical Usage

Altogether has been used since the 14th century, initially in the form "altogeder," indicating the complete or total sum of something. Its usage has evolved from Old English into modern forms, reflecting its continued importance in expressing totality or completeness in both formal and informal contexts.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, the word "altogether" signifies a complete agreement or total understanding. It is often used in decision-making processes or group contexts where everything is considered together as a unified whole. It also appears in art and literature, where it can represent a collective or complete representation of an idea.

More Information

Altogether is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to describe the totality of something, or to indicate that something has been done in full. It can also imply that something is considered as a whole rather than in parts. Its usage is widespread in spoken and written language and is a key adverb in the English lexicon.