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

Officers are supposed to look at the totality of someone's circumstances. — Elijah Westbrook, CBS News, 18 Sep. 2026

The ruling requires federal immigration agents to consider the totality of the circumstances known to them before arresting someone without a warrant. — Brittny Mejia, Los Angeles Times, 16 Sep. 2026

The evaluation must be based on the totality of the circumstances known or perceived by the officer at the moment — even in the case of quick decisions about using force. — Jeff McDonald, San Diego Union-Tribune, 12 Sep. 2026

Watching the 2026 Dolphins in totality will cost somewhere between $40-$125 per month from South Florida, and $115-$200 per month from the rest of the country. — Steven Louis Goldstein, New York Times, 8 Sep. 2026

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