What does totality mean?
Totality denotes the whole of something rather than merely one part of it. The word is especially useful when an entire body of evidence, a complete set of circumstances, or a unified system must be considered together. In general use, “the totality of the evidence” means all the available evidence, not simply its numerical size. In philosophical writing, totality can have a broader meaning: the unity of all existence or of all things considered as a system. Although a total primarily refers to a sum or amount, a totality more often stresses the character of something as complete, unified, or comprehensive. The noun is normally used in formal prose and is commonly uncountable in this sense, though “totalities” is grammatically possible in more specialized contexts. Overall, totality is a precise word for concepts in which completeness and interconnectedness are central.
nounThe whole or complete amount of something, especially when regarded as a unified whole. It can also refer to the state of being total or complete, or, in philosophy, to all existence considered as one unity.
- The whole or complete amount of something, especially when regarded as a unified whole.
- The state or condition of being total or complete.
- The sum of all things or existence considered as a unified whole, especially in philosophy.
"The totality of the evidence supports a broader conclusion than any single witness can establish."
"The totality of the evidence must be considered before a responsible conclusion can be reached."
"The philosophical concept of totality presents reality as an interconnected unity rather than a collection of isolated things."
The plural is rare and chiefly occurs where separate complete or unified systems are being discussed.
"The philosophers rejected rival totalities as overly comprehensive accounts of reality."
From Latin totus, “the whole,” totality is the language of systems: one complete picture rather than isolated details.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does totality come from?
The English word entered English in the early 17th century from Latin totalitas, meaning “the whole” or “entirety.” Latin totalitas was derived from totalis (“complete, entire”), which in turn came from totus (“all, the whole”). The same root underlies words such as total, totally, totalization, and totalitarianism.
How totality is actually used
Generally formal and abstract, this word emphasizes wholeness, unity, or completeness. It is especially common in legal, philosophical, and scientific contexts, where it may imply that all relevant elements should be considered together.
Easily confused with totality
As a noun, a total is a numerical sum or complete amount, whereas a totality more often means the entirety of something or a unified whole viewed conceptually.