aggregate
AG-rih-gut
/ˈæɡ.rɪ.ɡət/
Formed or calculated by combining many separate units or items; a total combined sum.
In utilitarianism, ethical decisions evaluate the combined sum of individual welfare across an entire population.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'aggregare' (to add to a flock), built from 'ad-' (toward) and 'grex' (flock, herd). It paints a vivid picture of gathering scattered sheep into one collective group.
Word relationships
- cumulative: Cumulative emphasizes building up over successive increments, whereas aggregate stresses combining separate parts into a total sum.
- individual: Pertaining to a single distinct element rather than a combined collective total.
Commonly confused with
- conglomerate: A conglomerate is a group of diverse corporations united under one corporate umbrella, whereas aggregate refers to any combined arithmetic sum.
Word family
- aggregation (noun): The formation or collection of items into a whole sum
- disaggregate (verb): To break a combined total back down into component parts
Collocations
- aggregate demand
- aggregate utility
- in the aggregate
- aggregate data
Example sentences
- "Utilitarian models evaluate public policy by calculating the aggregate utility across every individual in society." Social Choice Theory
Memory hook
AGGR-egate = gathering sheep into an AGGR-egated flock. Sum of all individual parts.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'accumulate' (to gather over time); aggregate means combining disparate items into a single total sum.
Fun facts
- The Latin root 'grex' (flock) also gives us 'gregarious' (loving flocks/socializing) and 'congregation' (a gathering of people).
Related words
Explore more words
utilitarian, utilitarianism, aggregation, Marginal, amalgamate, amalgamation
Take your vocabulary further with LangBlitz
Our English vocabulary app: FSRS spaced repetition, 5,000+ curated words across 119 topic groups, CEFR A1 to C2. Explore your mastery with the beautiful Vocabulary World feature.