Total vs. Overall: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on September 21, 2023
"Total" refers to the complete amount or sum of items, while "Overall" pertains to the general or comprehensive nature of something.
Key Differences
Total specifically refers to the complete sum or amount of a collection of things, figures, or elements. In contrast, Overall indicates a broad, general sense, encompassing everything in consideration.
In numerical contexts, Total would be the sum of all figures or quantities. On the other hand, Overall might suggest the general trend or result without delving into specifics.
An individual might use Total to refer to the sum of expenses in a month. Simultaneously, they might use Overall to describe the general financial health or situation during that month.
One can think of Total as a precise end result of addition, especially in quantitative settings. Conversely, Overall can offer a holistic perspective or general impression of a situation, event, or set of data.
While both words imply comprehensiveness, Total often emphasizes completeness or entirety in count or measure, whereas Overall leans more towards a summary or general state of things.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Complete amount or sum
General or comprehensive nature
Part of Speech
Noun (can also be a verb/adjective)
Adjective (can also be an adverb/noun)
Usage Context
Quantitative settings
Broad, encompassing scenarios
Grammatical Function
Describes completeness in count/measure
Describes a general state/summary
Associated Ideas
Sum, entirety
Holistic, all-encompassing
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Total and Overall Definitions
Total
The complete amount or sum.
The Total cost of the project was $10,000.
Overall
Covering or affecting everything.
They considered the Overall benefits and drawbacks.
Total
Absolute or complete.
It was a Total disaster.
Overall
Encompassing all parts or aspects.
The Overall impact of the policy was significant.
Total
To calculate the full amount.
We need to Total the expenses for the month.
Overall
In a comprehensive sense.
The movie was good Overall.
Total
Entire or comprehensive.
They faced Total defeat.
Overall
From one end to the other
The overall length of the house.
Total
The result of adding numbers.
The Total of 5 and 7 is 12.
Overall
Including everything; comprehensive
The overall costs of medical care.
Total
An amount obtained by addition; a sum.
Overall
Regarded as a whole; general
My overall impression was favorable.
Total
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
Overall
On the whole; generally
Enjoyed the performance overall.
Total
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
The total population of the city.
Overall
Chiefly British A loose-fitting protective outer garment; a smock.
Total
Complete; utter; absolute
Total concentration.
A total effort.
A total fool.
Overall
Overalls Loose-fitting pants, usually of strong fabric, with a bib front and shoulder straps, often worn over regular clothing as protection from dirt.
Total
To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.
Overall
All-encompassing, all around.
Total
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
Overall
Generally; with everything considered.
Total
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
Overall
(British) A garment worn over other clothing to protect it; a coverall or boiler suit. A garment, for manual labor or for casual wear, often made of a single piece of fabric, with long legs and a bib upper, supported from the shoulders with straps, and having several large pockets and loops for carrying tools.
Total
To add up; amount
It totals to $25.
Overall
A garment, worn for manual labor, with an integral covering extending to the chest, supported by straps.
Total
An amount obtained by the addition of smaller amounts.
A total of £145 was raised by the bring-and-buy stall.
Overall
Everywhere.
Total
Sum.
The total of 4, 5 and 6 is 15.
Overall
Work clothing consisting of denim trousers (usually with a bib and shoulder straps)
Total
Entire; relating to the whole of something.
The total book is rubbish from start to finish.
The total number of votes cast is 3,270.
Overall
A loose protective coverall or smock worn over ordinary clothing for dirty work
Total
(used as an intensifier) Complete; absolute.
He is a total failure.
Overall
Involving only main features;
The overall pattern of his life
Total
(mathematics) (of a function) Defined on all possible inputs.
The Ackermann function is one of the simplest and earliest examples of a total computable function that is not primitive recursive.
Overall
Including everything;
The overall cost
The total amount owed
Total
(transitive) To add up; to calculate the sum of.
When we totalled the takings, we always got a different figure.
Overall
Pertaining to the whole extent or scope.
Her Overall performance was excellent.
Total
To equal a total of; to amount to.
That totals seven times so far.
Overall
General or in total.
Overall, the feedback was positive.
Total
To demolish; to wreck completely. (from total loss)
Honey, I’m OK, but I’ve totaled the car.
Total
(intransitive) To amount to; to add up to.
It totals nearly a pound.
Total
Whole; not divided; entire; full; complete; absolute; as, a total departure from the evidence; a total loss.
Total
The whole; the whole sum or amount; as, these sums added make the grand total of five millions.
Total
To bring to a total; also, to reach as a total; to amount to.
Total
To determine the total of (a set of numbers); to add; - often used with up; as, to total up the bill.
Total
To damage beyond repair; - used especially of vehicles damaged in an accident; as, he skid on an ice patch and totaled his Mercedes against a tree. From total loss.
Total
The whole amount
Total
A quantity obtained by addition
Total
Add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
Total
Determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
Total
Constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
An entire town devastated by an earthquake
Gave full attention
A total failure
Total
Including everything;
The overall cost
The total amount owed
Total
Without conditions or limitations;
A total ban
Total
Complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
A full game
A total eclipse
A total disaster
FAQs
Is "Total" more specific than "Overall"?
Generally, yes. "Total" often provides a specific sum or amount.
Does "Overall" provide a detailed view?
Not typically; "Overall" suggests a general or broad perspective.
Can "Total" be used as a verb?
Yes, like in "totaling the expenses."
Does "Overall" mean the same as "in general"?
Yes, in many contexts, they can be synonymous.
When might one use "Overall" in a sentence?
When offering a summary or general impression of a situation or set of data.
Is "Total" always about numbers?
Mostly, but it can also indicate completeness in non-quantitative contexts.
Can "Overall" describe a general trend?
Yes, it often indicates a general direction or trend without specific details.
Is the "total amount" redundant?
It can be, as "total" already suggests a complete amount.
Can "Total" be an absolute term?
Yes, like in "total disaster," it indicates absolute or complete nature.
How does "Overall" differ from "on the whole"?
They're similar, but "Overall" is often more concise. Both suggest a general perspective.
Can "Total" suggest finality?
Yes, as it indicates the end result or complete sum.
Is "Overall" about averages?
Not necessarily. While it provides a broad view, it doesn't always suggest an average.
Why do receipts have a "total" at the bottom?
It provides the complete sum of all listed costs.
How do "Overall" and "entirely" differ?
"Overall" suggests a broad summary, while "entirely" indicates completeness or fullness.
Do "Overall" and "total" overlap in meaning?
They can in some contexts, but they often have distinct nuances.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
