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

• total
• sum
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Consistent with the totality of circumstances approach, the memorandum states that USCIS will look for evidence of genuine rehabilitation for individuals who have transgressions. —Virginia La Torre Jeker, Forbes.com, 9 Sep. 2025

As the moon slipped into the deepest part of our planet's shadow — a period known as totality — a phenomenon known as Rayleigh scattering saw the moon adopt a bloody red hue, as sunlight scattered by Earth's atmosphere was bent onto the lunar surface. —Anthony Wood, Space.com, 8 Sep. 2025

And that's really all that matters at the end of the day – the totality of AI demand. —Zev Fima, CNBC, 8 Sep. 2025

The totality phase, when Earth's shadow fully covers the moon, is expected to last about one hour and 22 minutes, according to NASA. —Melina Khan, USA Today, 6 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1598, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing totality

• in its/their totality

Rhymes for totality

• banality
• bestiality
• brutality
• carnality
• centrality
• chirality
• duality
• fatality
• finality
• formality
• frugality
• legality

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