Total vs. Overall: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Updated on October 20, 2023
"Total" refers to the complete sum or amount, while "overall" indicates a general or comprehensive perspective or encompassing everything.
Difference Between Total and Overall
"Total" and "overall" are both words that can imply comprehensiveness or entirety. However, they are applied in somewhat different contexts and possess distinct nuances. "Total" is primarily used to describe the full amount, especially in quantitative contexts. Whether referring to scores, expenses, or items, "total" gives a numeric or measurable sum. For instance, the total cost of a purchase signifies the combined price of all items.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
On the other hand, "overall" offers a broader perspective, generally summarizing or indicating an encompassing view. It may not always be quantitative. "Overall" can be used to express a general opinion, a summary, or an average outlook on something. For example, one might comment on the overall performance of a team, referring to their general efficacy rather than a specific score.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
In the realm of clothing, "overall" takes on another specific meaning, referring to a type of garment that covers most of the body, often worn for protective purposes or as work attire. "Total", however, does not possess such specific non-numeric associations.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In essence, while both words can convey completeness, "total" leans more towards quantifiable sums or amounts, whereas "overall" often presents a broader, sometimes qualitative, viewpoint or summary.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Total vs. Overall Comparison Chart
Function
Represents a sum or entirety of numbers
Gives a general perspective or summary
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Total vs. Overall Definitions
◉Total
The whole amount of something; the entirety
The storm damaged the total of the housing units.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Overall
Involving an entire system or population.
The overall health of the community improved.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
◉Total
Of, relating to, or constituting the whole amount; entire
the total population of the city.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Overall
A type of clothing covering most of the body.
He wore overalls while painting.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
◉Total
Complete; utter; absolute
total concentration.
a total effort.
a total fool.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
To determine the total of; add up
They totaled the applications at 600.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Overall
Including everything; comprehensive
the overall costs of medical care.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
To equal a total of; amount to
The week's receipts totaled more than $90,000.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
To wreck completely; demolish
The driver survived the crash but totaled the car.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Overall
Chiefly British A loose-fitting protective outer garment; a smock.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
An amount obtained by the addition of smaller amounts.
A total of £145 was raised by the bring-and-buy stall.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Overall
A garment, worn for manual labor, with an integral covering extending to the chest, supported by straps.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
(transitive) To add up; to calculate the sum of.
When we totalled the takings, we always got a different figure.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Overall
work clothing consisting of denim trousers (usually with a bib and shoulder straps)
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
To demolish; to wreck completely. (from total loss)
Honey, I’m OK, but I’ve totaled the car.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Overall
a loose protective coverall or smock worn over ordinary clothing for dirty work
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May 03, 2023
◉Total
Whole; not divided; entire; full; complete; absolute; as, a total departure from the evidence; a total loss.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
The whole; the whole sum or amount; as, these sums added make the grand total of five millions.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
to determine the total of (a set of numbers); to add; - often used with up; as, to total up the bill.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉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.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Total
add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
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May 03, 2023
◉Total
determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
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May 03, 2023
◉Total
constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
an entire town devastated by an earthquake
gave full attention
a total failure
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May 03, 2023
◉Total
complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
a full game
a total eclipse
a total disaster
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May 03, 2023
Total vs. Overall Frequently Asked Questions
Can overall refer to specific numbers?
Not typically; "overall" usually provides a broad or summarizing view.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023
Is total always about numbers?
While often numeric, "total" can also imply fullness or completeness without numbers.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
In what contexts is total commonly used?
Finance, math, and sports, among others.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is overall's clothing meaning related to its general meaning?
Not directly, it's a specific use based on the garment covering most of the body.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Does overall always mean comprehensive?
Mostly, but it can also refer to a type of clothing.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023
Do total and overall mean the same?
No, while both imply entirety, "total" often refers to a quantifiable sum and "overall" to a general perspective.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Is "overall" more about quality and "total" about quantity?
Generally, yes, but "overall" can also encompass quantity in a summarized manner.
William
Sep 26, 2023
Can you use total to describe general performance?
It's more fitting to use "overall" for such a context.
William
Sep 26, 2023
Can "total" imply completeness without implying a sum?
Yes, as in "total silence" where it means complete silence.
Levi
Sep 26, 2023
Which term is more versatile?
Both have their specific uses, but "overall" can be applied in more varied non-numeric contexts.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
