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

Millions of Americans, from southern Texas to northern Maine were in the path of totality where the moon completely blots out the sun. —Visual Editors, USA TODAY, 20 Dec. 2024

On that day, a path of totality will travel through eastern Greenland, western Iceland and across northern Spain. —Jamie Carter, Forbes, 20 Dec. 2024

Over the course of an hour and 40 minutes, this year’s path of totality—the area marked by total darkness—stretched from Mazatlán, Mexico, to Newfoundland, Canada. —Joe Spring, Smithsonian Magazine, 20 Dec. 2024

This spectacular event happens when the moon moves into the Earth’s shadow and turns a blood-red color near and at totality. —Karen Garcia, Los Angeles Times, 17 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