Comparisons Wiki

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.
Total vs. Overall

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

Primary Use

Quantitative
Qualitative or encompassing
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Function

Represents a sum or entirety of numbers
Gives a general perspective or summary
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023

Example

Total expenses, total score
Overall performance, overall design
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Contexts

Mathematics, finance, sports
Reviews, summaries, evaluations
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023

Additional Use

N/A
Refers to a type of garment in clothing
Levi
Sep 26, 2023

Total vs. Overall Definitions

Total

Absolute; unqualified.
It was a total disaster.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023

Overall

On the whole; generally.
She was overall satisfied with the results.
Leo
Sep 26, 2023

Total

Including everything.
The total cost includes taxes.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 26, 2023

Overall

Taking everything into account.
The overall feedback was positive.
Olivia
Sep 26, 2023

Total

An amount obtained by addition; a sum.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Overall

Encompassing all parts or aspects.
The overall design was intricate.
Kaitlyn
Sep 26, 2023

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

Overall

From one end to the other
the overall length of the house.
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

Overall

Regarded as a whole; general
My overall impression was favorable.
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

On the whole; generally
enjoyed the performance overall.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

To add up; amount
It totals to $25.
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

Sum.
The total of 4, 5 and 6 is 15.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Overall

All-encompassing, all around.
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

Generally; with everything considered.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

(used as an intensifier) Complete; absolute.
He is a total failure.
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

Everywhere.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

To equal a total of; to amount to.
That totals seven times so far.
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
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

(intransitive) To amount to; to add up to.
It totals nearly a pound.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Overall

involving only main features;
the overall pattern of his life
Muneeza Rehman
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

Overall

including everything;
the overall cost
the total amount owed
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 bring to a total; also, to reach as a total; to amount to.
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

the whole amount
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

a quantity obtained by addition
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

add up in number or quantity;
The bills amounted to $2,000
The bill came to $2,000
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

determine the sum of;
Add all the people in this town to those of the neighboring town
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
an entire town devastated by an earthquake
gave full attention
a total failure
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

including everything;
the overall cost
the total amount owed
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

without conditions or limitations;
a total ban
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
a full game
a total eclipse
a total disaster
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023

Total

The whole amount.
The total of the bill came to $100.
Muazma Batool
Sep 26, 2023

Total

Complete in extent or degree.
There was total silence in the room.
Jonathan
Sep 26, 2023

Total

Representing a full sum.
The total earnings for the month were substantial.
William
Sep 26, 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 Rehman
At 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 Batool
As 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.

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