amount

[ uh-mount ]

noun

1. the sum total of two or more quantities or sums; aggregate.
2. the sum of the principal and interest of a loan.
3. quantity; measure:

   a great amount of resistance.

4. the full effect, value, or significance.

verb (used without object)

1. to total; add (usually followed by to ):

   The repair bill amounts to $300.

2. to reach, extend, or be equal in number, quantity, effect, etc.; be equivalent (usually followed by to ):

   It is stated differently but amounts to the same thing.

3. to develop into; become (usually followed by to ):

   With his intelligence, he should amount to something when he grows up.

amount

/ əˈmaʊnt /

noun

1. extent; quantity; supply
2. the total of two or more quantities; sum
3. the full value, effect, or significance of something
4. a principal sum plus the interest on it, as in a loan

verb

1. intrusually foll byto to be equal or add up in effect, meaning, or quantity

Usage

The use of a plural noun after amount of (an amount of bananas; the amount of refugees ) should be avoided: a quantity of bananas; the number of refugees

Confusables Note

The traditional distinction between amount and number is that amount is used with mass or uncountable nouns ( the amount of paperwork; the amount of energy ) and number with countable nouns ( a number of songs; a number of days ). Although objected to, the use of amount instead of number with countable nouns occurs in both speech and writing, especially when the noun can be considered as a unit or group ( the amount of people present; the amount of weapons ) or when it refers to money ( the amount of dollars paid; the amount of pennies in the till ).

Word History and Origins

Origin of amount¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English verb amounten, amunten, from Anglo-French amo(u)nter, amunter, Old French amonter literally, “to go up, ascend,” probably a- + monter; noun use of verb from early 18th century; a- ⁵, mount ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of amount¹

C13: from Old French amonter to go up, from amont upwards, from a to + mont mountain (from Latin mōns )

Example Sentences

Policymakers should invest in vision and creative research, because "after all, these plans will amount to billions of euros when implemented!"

From Science Daily

"This investigation has caused significant distress for Ms Pearson and a large amount of public concern," he said.

From BBC

Rain totals most areas will be under 1 inch through Sat night, but higher amounts are expected for the Santa Lucia mtns.

From Los Angeles Times

Peaches need "peach chill" — a certain amount of time in temperatures that are under 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

From Salon

Even before the war, critics accused the Israeli state of carrying out polices that amount to apartheid against Palestinians.

From Salon