Phrase guide

sum of its parts

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A group which can be seen as a mere juxtaposition of the elements that compose it; a collection of things in which there is no new property or added value that emerges from the interactions between its parts.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Together, the ant colony was greater than the sum of its parts.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: SOP

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

4 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • German: Summe seiner Teile — Translations
  • Hungarian: a részek/részei(nek) összege/összessége/együttese — Translations
  • Polish: suma części składowych — Translations
  • Russian: сумма его частей (summa jevo častej) — Translations