altogether
Altogether (adv) means completely; entirely. Example: “The old bridge was altogether destroyed by the flood.”
How to Use Altogether
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "completely" or "taking everything into account," depending on context.
Don't confuse with "all together" (everyone/everything in one place or at once) — "altogether" means "entirely" or "overall." "They arrived all together" vs. "It was altogether too much."
Word Forms
altogethers plural
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The old bridge was _____ destroyed by the flood.
Etymology
From Middle English altogeder, formed from "all" plus "together."
Rhymes for altogether
See all rhymes for altogether →Frequently Asked Questions
What does “altogether” mean?
The word “altogether” means completely; entirely. In plain terms, either "completely" or "taking everything into account," depending on context.
How do you pronounce “altogether”?
“Altogether” is pronounced awl-tuu-GEHTH-uh (/ɔl.tuˈɡɛð.ɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “altogether” in a sentence?
Here is “altogether” used in a sentence: “The old bridge was altogether destroyed by the flood.”
What part of speech is “altogether”?
“Altogether” is an adverb.
Where does the word “altogether” come from?
The word “altogether” comes from Middle English. From Middle English altogeder, formed from "all" plus "together.".
Is “altogether” a common word?
“Altogether” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “altogether” have?
“Altogether” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: completely; entirely.
Featured In
Vocabulary lists that include altogether: