add up

mathematic logic

The phrase 'add up' can refer to calculating totals, logical consistency, or gradual accumulation.

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Definition

A2Mathematics

(general)To find the sum of multiple numbers or amounts.

Example

Please add up these figures and give me the total.
She added up the receipts to check the total expenses.

B1General

(general)To gradually increase to a large total over time.

Example

The small savings add up over the years.
These minor mistakes can add up to a big problem.

B2Logic

(idiomatic)To be logical and consistent.

Example

His explanation doesn't add up.
The evidence doesn't add up, so we need to investigate further.

Similar

Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "add up":

tot up sum up reckon up summing up rack up average up sum total connect up round up tally on rounded up stack up heap up run up join up put together do the math size up all together true up link up count in ring up come together match up chalk up