add up

verb

1. to find the sum (of)

2. (intr) to result in a correct total

3. informal,  (intr) to make sense

4. to amount to

Idioms and Phrases

Amount to an expected or correct total, as in These figures don't add up , meaning they are not correct. [Mid-1800s]

Be consistent, make sense, as in I'm not sure that all this testimony will add up . [First half of 1900s]

Assess, form an opinion of, as in He looked across the track and added up the competition . Also see add up to .

Example Sentences

The remarkable variety of experiences, both positive and stressful, adds up to what she describes as "an unprecedented insight into children's inner world".

From BBC

He put his body on the line multiple times - those hits add up, and you don't want to see your superstar quarterback risking his health so early in the season.

From BBC

"And the costs of celebrating all of that adds up."

From BBC

The charges carry heavy sentences and could add up to a prison term of more than 40 years.

From BBC

What those changes add up to depends on who you ask.

From BBC

Related Words

• confirm 
• convince 
• demonstrate 
• determine 
• explain 
• find 
• justify 
• result 
• show 
• substantiate 
• test 
• try 
• turn out 
• validate 
• verify