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

A hefty amount of butter sold at Costco warehouses nationwide has been recalled for containing an “undeclared allergen,” Today reported Monday.

From Salon

In terms of the overall amount of revenue that ends up in beneficiaries’ pockets, however, “we would not expect observable changes in objective health outcomes or life expectancy.”

From Salon

Israel has previously insisted there are no limits to the amount of aid that can be delivered into and across Gaza, and accused Hamas of stealing aid, which the group has denied.

From BBC

Lawyer Alexandra Shapiro argued it was impossible for the musician to prepare for trial from behind bars because of the "incredibly voluminous" amount of material to review, especially without a laptop computer.

From BBC

In some districts, it amounted to highly sought-after schools devoted to high achievers.

From Los Angeles Times