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 of totality

• total
• sum
• whole

Examples of totality in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The singer-songwriter opens his heart to listeners, but just enough to keep you interested, knowing that what lies in there — in totality — might repel instead of attract. —Jim Harrington, Mercury News, 22 Dec. 2025

Her stories, woven together, become something like a fabric, a totality. —Sophie Gilbert, The Atlantic, 22 Dec. 2025

This can include observing a whale migration; trekking to be in the path of totality for a solar eclipse; chasing the Aurora Borealis; and other fleeting moments of possible magic. —Mindy Sink, Denver Post, 7 Dec. 2025

So the real figure of those who escaped enslavement because of the totality of these actions is much higher. —Literary Hub, 5 Dec. 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