Altogether means in total or considering all parts or aspects. It can function as an adverb meaning completely or entirely, or as a determiner when referring to the whole amount. The term emphasizes the comprehensive sum rather than any part. Proper pronunciation distinguishes the two-syllable rhythm and the subtle vowel quality that links the /ɔː/ or /ɑː/ with the following /l/ and /ɡ/ sounds.
US & AU accents are Premium
Unlock all accent variations
"We went to the museum, and altogether we spent three hours there."
"The project was difficult, but altogether worth the effort."
"Altogether, the party was a success despite the rain."
"She decided, altogether, that it was the wrong decision."
Altogether originates from the phrase altogether (all together) dating from Middle English. The word combines all + together, implying unity or total inclusion. It evolved from expressions meaning “as a whole” or “in totality,” with the semantic shift toward the adverbial sense of entirely or completely. First attested in the 13th–14th centuries in literary and legal contexts, the term gained stable usage in general speech by the Early Modern English period. The diachronic path shows gradual simplification of compound forms into a single adverb compatible with modern syntactic positions. The pronunciation likely reflected the stress on the first syllable, with a linking /l/ and a potential vowel reduction in rapid speech, which later standardized into the modern two-syllable form /ɔːlˈtoːɡəðər/ in many dialects, though vowel quality varies by variety (see Accent Variations). Contemporary usage preserves the dual sense of totality and entirety, while the form continues to function adverbially across registers.
💡 Etymology tip: Understanding word origins can help you remember pronunciation patterns and recognize related words in the same language family.
Help others use "altogether" correctly by contributing grammar tips, common mistakes, and context guidance.
💡 These words have similar meanings to "altogether" and can often be used interchangeably.
🔄 These words have opposite meanings to "altogether" and show contrast in usage.
📚 Vocabulary tip: Learning synonyms and antonyms helps you understand nuanced differences in meaning and improves your word choice in speaking and writing.
Words that rhyme with "altogether"
-her sounds
Practice with these rhyming pairs to improve your pronunciation consistency:
🎵 Rhyme tip: Practicing with rhyming words helps you master similar sound patterns and improves your overall pronunciation accuracy.
Prediction: al-TOG-ther with primary stress on the second syllable. IPA US: /ɔːlˈtuːɡəðər/. Break it into syllables: /ɔːl/ + /ˈtuː/ + /ɡə/ + /ðər/. Keep the /ɔː/ open, then a strong /t/ onset, then a long /uː/ before /ɡəɹ/ or /ðər/. In rapid speech it can reduce to /ɔːlˈtʊɡəðə/ or /ɔːlˈtəɡəðə/; ensure the /l/ links clearly to /tuː/. Audio reference: consult Cambridge/Forvo pronunciations and Pronounce for natural rhythm.
Two common errors: first, misplacing stress as al-TO-gether with wrong syllable emphasis; second, treating /t/ after /l/ as a d sound or mispronouncing the 'th' sound in the final syllable; correct by stressing the second syllable and articulating /ð/ as a voiced dental fricative, not /d/ or /z/. Practice with slow articulation: /ɔːlˈtuːɡəðər/ and record for feedback.
US: prominent /ɔːl/ with full /ɔː/ or /ɑː/ in some regions; rhotics in postvocalic positions are minor, but final /r/ may be non-rhotic in British varieties. UK: /ɔːlˈtəʊɡəðə/ with UK diphthongs; AU: /ɔːlˈtəɡəðə/ similar to UK but with truncated or more centralized vowels in rapid speech; overall, second syllable carries primary stress; /ð/ remains a dental fricative.
It blends a multisyllabic sequence with a strong consonant cluster: /l/ linked to /t/ and then /ɡ/ with a voiced dental /ð/ at the end. The common difficulties are vowel quality in /ɔː/ vs /ɑː/ and the final /ðər/ cluster; rapid speech often reduces vowels and weakens the final syllable. Focusing on steady primary stress on the second syllable and deliberate articulation of /ð/ will reduce slurring.
There is no silent letter in standard pronunciations of altogether. Some speakers may reduce the /ə/ in the final syllable when speaking quickly, but the /ð/ remains audible in careful speech. If you encounter someone dropping the final /ə/ in informal speech, you should resist it in careful practice to maintain clarity.
🗣️ Voice search tip: These questions are optimized for voice search. Try asking your voice assistant any of these questions about "altogether"!
No related words found
