How Do You Spell ADDS UP?

Pronunciation: [ˈadz ˈʌp] (IPA)

Adds up is a commonly used phrase in English, meaning that something makes sense or fits together logically. The IPA phonetic transcription of adds up is /ˈædz ʌp/. The spelling of adds up follows English orthography, with the letter 'a' representing the short 'a' sound, the double 'd' representing the voiced 'd' sound, and the letter 's' representing the unvoiced 's' sound. The following 'u' represents the the short 'ʌ' sound, followed by the letter 'p' which represents the unvoiced 'p' sound.

ADDS UP Meaning and Definition

1. The phrase "adds up" is an idiomatic expression that typically means to make sense or be reasonable. It refers to the process of accumulating or summing up individual components to derive a comprehensive or logical conclusion. When something "adds up," it implies that the various factors or pieces of information align or fit together harmoniously or logically, forming a coherent whole.

   In a literal sense, "adds up" can refer to mathematical calculations where one combines different numbers or values to obtain a total. However, it is most commonly used in a broader context, outside of purely numerical computations. For example, when analyzing a situation, if the available facts, evidence, or explanations "add up," it suggests that they form a consistent, convincing account or argument.

   Furthermore, "adds up" can also convey the notion of clarity and revealing the truth. When puzzling or conflicting information is finally clarified and things "add up," it signifies that a clear, accurate picture has emerged.

   The phrase "adds up" is frequently employed in conversations, discussions, or analysis pertaining to a variety of subjects, such as investigations, financial matters, explanations, evidence, theories, and even personal relationships. It serves to express the idea of coherent and reasonable assembly or understanding based on the information or elements at hand.

Common Misspellings for ADDS UP

• addsup

Etymology of ADDS UP

The phrase "adds up" is derived from the verb "add" and the adverbial particle "up".

The verb "add" originates from the Latin word "addere", which means "to join, unite, or place next to". It entered the English language in the late 14th century. Over time, the meaning of "add" evolved to refer to the act of summing numbers or combining quantities.

The adverbial particle "up" comes from the Old English word "upp", which means "upward, on high". It has been used since ancient times to indicate direction or completion.

Thus, when we say something "adds up", we mean that when numbers or quantities are combined or summed, their total or sum is achieved.