sum up speech meaning

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Definition of sum up phrasal verb from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

• To sum up , there are three main ways of tackling the problem…
• The report attempts to sum up recent economic trends.
• The storyline can be summed up in a few sentences.
• sum up what… Can I just sum up what we've agreed so far?

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• Totally lazy—that just about sums him up.
• One young mother summed up the feelings of many parents when she said:…
• ‘So we're stuck in this place with no food?’ ‘That just about sums it up.’
• Her whole philosophy can be summed up as ‘so what?’.
• The appeal of this charming little town is hard to sum up.
• She summed it up as ‘the most brilliant lecture I've ever attended’.
• For me, the novel summed up the major problems of human existence.
• She quickly summed up the situation and took control.

Nearby words

To "sum up" is to summarize

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To sum up is the phrasal verb of today’s program. To sum up means to summarize. The word sum, S-U-M, refers to the result of addition. So the sum of four and six is ten; the sum of ten and five is fifteen, and so on. But to sum up means to summarize, and you usually say “sum up” when you are describing something as briefly as possible. So you can imagine the range of emotions that people are feeling after going through that terrible plane crash, but the quote from passenger Ruby Rodriguez really sums it up: she’s sad people had to go through the traumatic experience, but she’s happy everyone is still alive. That sums it up; that eloquently describes what people are feeling in just a few words.

I’m reading a biography of Tiger Woods, the famous golfer, right now. If I had to sum up Tiger’s career, I would say he was driven to succeed at all costs. He did succeed, and it did come at a steep personal cost. I think that sums it up.

I saw a cute movie on Netflix called “Like Father.” I think it was actually produced by and for Netflix, so it wasn’t in the movie theaters, but it’s new on Netflix. I won’t give away any secrets, but I’ll sum it up this way: the protagonist had to learn to put down her phone and connect with the people who love her. That sums up that movie—but don’t worry, I just summed up the message; I didn’t give anything away about the plot.

If you had to sum up Uncle Jerry, the guy who stole all the McDonald’s game pieces, what would you say? Corrupt, in over his head? Unable to say no to temptation? Hypocritical, maybe since he enforced security on everyone else while he himself was breaking the rules? I think that pretty much sums him up.

That’s all for today’s episode. Remember there are plenty of ways to get in touch with the program. JR and I each check our email often. [email protected] and [email protected] are our e-mail addresses. Then there’s Facebook and Twitter, both under the user name PlainEnglishPod. And if you’re not on the email list, you can get on that by visiting PlainEnglish.com/mail. JR and I send out an email every Monday and Thursday and the message sums up the main story and even includes links to English articles that I use to prepare the show. PlainEnglish.com/mail to get on that list.

Thanks for being with us again today. We’ll be back on Thursday with episode number 77.

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This page is about the phrasal verb sum up

If you sum up something, you give a quick summary of it.

For example

• sum up At the end of his lecture, Professor Essberger summed up by repeating some of his main points.
• sum sth up After he'd summed his ideas up, the speaker said he could answer some questions.
• sum up sth At the end of your essay, sum up your main argument.

Nouns often used as objects with sum up : lecture, talk, proposal, idea, essay, argument, viewpoint

Public speakers sum up what they've said

Boost your English with 1000 Phrasal Verbs in Context ebook !

Contributor: Matt Errey

10 Formal Synonyms for “To Sum Up”

Summaries are useful for explaining situations quickly and clearly in academic writing. Therefore, you’ll often come across phrases like “to sum up” to keep your summaries clear.

However, is “to sum up” the best formal phrase to include? Or does it get a bit repetitive?

This article will explore some alternatives to keep things interesting and fresh.

• To summarize
• In conclusion
• To put it briefly
• To be brief

Keep reading to learn how to say “to sum up” in your essays (and sometimes emails). We’ll also provide examples to help you with each.

1. In Summary

You can use the phrase “in summary” as a formal alternative to “to sum up.” It shows a brief overview of what you plan on looking at in the upcoming essay.

The reader will understand the intention behind your summary. If used appropriately, it shows what they should expect from your essay and how you’re going to get to your point.

Don’t forget to review the following examples:

• In summary , I do not think pursuing these issues any further is wise. Nothing good will come from them.
• In summary , this essay will explore the pros and cons of the issue at hand. I will also provide my insight.

2. To Summarize

Another great alternative is “to summarize.” It’s slightly more long-winded than “to sum up,” but it works well as an academic and formal alternative.

Essays really benefit from using phrases like “to summarize” every now and then. Of course, you shouldn’t let it become too repetitive.

Use it once or twice in an essay to show how you would like to summarize your writing.

Here are a few examples to help you understand it better:

• To summarize , you must consider all options before making a final decision. It’s the only fair choice.
• To summarize , these are the only available categories. You must choose one that works for you.

3. In Conclusion

Conclusions and summaries are very similar in most contexts. So, “in conclusion” could be a good synonym for “to sum up” to keep things fresh with your essay writing.

You should only use it when rounding up a point or clarifying your intention . It’s great to include this in an essay because it allows your reader to follow along with your thought process.

These essay samples will also help you:

• In conclusion , there have only been three occurrences in the past. I believe this will be the fourth.
• In conclusion , I will explore the positives associated with this type of sustainability.

4. In Essence

It may not be quite as common as some other options, but “in essence” is a great alternative to “to sum up.” We highly recommend it to round up your information .

Generally, “essence” refers to the most critical piece of information . So, you can use it after explaining something fully. It’s a good way to be brief and tell the reader what you mean.

We recommend using this one after complicated explanations . It breaks down the most important things to remember for the reader.

Check out these examples to see how it works:

• In essence , I want to find out what causes these problems. Then, I should be able to pass judgment.
• In essence , they were incorrect about their assumptions. Unfortunately, that didn’t stop them from continuing.

5. Ultimately

“Ultimately” is a suitable alternative to “to sum up” when summarizing your points . We recommend using it but try to limit how often it appears in your essays.

It’s not as formal as some of the other options. You may find it more useful when writing ungraded or casual essays rather than important ones that impact your final grade.

You may also review the following examples:

• Ultimately , I would like to explore both points to determine which is more applicable. I do not want to have a biased opinion.
• Ultimately , this essay will demonstrate how to complete the task sustainably. There is always a solution.

6. In Short

Keeping things short and sweet makes essays more readable. The more you break things down and help the reader understand you, the better your essay will be.

That’s where a phrase like “in short” comes in.

It’s a great way to summarize your points. It keeps things simple for the reader.

We highly recommend it after a lengthy explanation . It’s a great way to help someone understand your thought process or where you’re going with your essay.

Here are a few great examples to help you with it:

• In short , you should know what to expect from these improvements. However, I will lay it out for you.
• In short , there have been many alternatives, but they have yet to be more effective.

7. To Put It Briefly

We also recommend a more conversational alternative like “to put it briefly.” However, you probably don’t want to use this one in your essays.

Instead, this phrase works best in professional emails . It shows that you want to be brief and summarize the email’s contents .

Of course, if the recipient wants to ask any questions, they are free to do so. From there, you could send them more information.

But initially, “to put it briefly” is a great way to keep things short and sweet. It allows you to convey your thoughts without needing to be too wordy.

Perhaps this email sample will also help you:

Dear Jason, To put it briefly , I do not believe you’re the right fit for this role. I’m afraid I can’t go into more detail at the moment. All the best, Sarah Hardy

8. To Be Brief

Another great formal email alternative is “to be brief.” Again, it allows you to highlight the most important points in an email without losing your recipient’s interest.

We recommend using it when emailing business partners . It shows you want to get a quick point across because you don’t want to overload them with information.

Generally, it’s a good way to keep your writing simple yet effective.

We also recommend reviewing this sample email:

Dear Scott, To be brief , we have already considered changing providers. Do you have any ideas that might help us? Yours, Patricia Salman

9. Concisely

Going back to essays, “concisely” is a great option that often gets overlooked. We recommend using it as an introductory clause to sum up your points .

It works well at the start of an essay to explain what you’re trying to achieve. It’s similar to setting up an early conclusion to help the reader understand your writing.

Explaining your intentions early helps to keep readers interested. You should always try to be direct and clear (or “concise,” if you will) to ensure your readers follow.

• Concisely , it would make more sense to explore both options. Then, we can settle on the best outcome.
• Concisely , it’s important to weigh up the debate. There are two points of view for a reason, after all.

10. Simply Put

Finally, you can use “simply put” as a more informal alternative to “to sum up.” Don’t worry; it still works in most essays.

However, we recommend using a phrase like this in less important essays . So, it might be more beneficial to include it while writing an ungraded school essay .

It still allows you to demonstrate your ideas quickly and concisely. It’s just slightly less formal than some other options.

You may also review the following essay samples:

• Simply put , I believe it’s inappropriate to pursue these ventures. I would also like to offer some alternatives.
• Simply put , this is the only way to continue working with them. Otherwise, all ties must be cut.

Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here .

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• noun a brief statement that presents the main points in a concise form synonyms: summary see more see less types: show 17 types... hide 17 types... argument , literary argument a summary of the subject or plot of a literary work or play or movie capitulation a summary that enumerates the main parts of a topic compendium a concise but comprehensive summary of a larger work abridgement , abridgment , capsule , condensation a shortened version of a written work conspectus an overall summary CV , curriculum vitae , resume a summary of your academic and work history line score a summary of the scoring in a game (usually in tabular form) abstract , outline , precis , synopsis a sketchy summary of the main points of an argument or theory overview a general summary of a subject roundup a summary list; as in e.g. "a news roundup" resume , sketch , survey short descriptive summary (of events) rundown , summation , summing up a concluding summary (as in presenting a case before a law court) syllabus a summary or outline of what will be covered in an academic course brief a condensed written summary or abstract apercu a short synopsis epitome a brief abstract (as of an article or book) recap , recapitulation , review a summary at the end that repeats the substance of a longer discussion type of: statement a message that is stated or declared; a communication (oral or written) setting forth particulars or facts etc

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The English phrase "sum up" sounds like a math equation, but in the workplace, it has a slightly different meaning. Use FLOW's speaking AI to practice using this phrase in real-world situations. Receive instant feedback to check your mistakes.

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How to Use sum up in a Sentence

Some of these examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'sum up.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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Figurative Language: Simile and Other Types of Figures of Speech

• By Judhajit Sen
• September 12, 2024

Figure of speech definition is the use of words or phrases in a way that goes beyond their everyday, actual meanings. It creates a special effect or paints a mental picture to help the reader or listener better understand or feel something. Unlike literal language, which is straightforward, figurative speech adds color and depth to writing and speech.

Different figures of speech help make complex ideas clearer, descriptions more vivid, and messages more powerful. For example, saying “time is a thief” is a metaphor that helps convey the idea that time can take away moments from us, much like a thief would steal.

Figurative language types are used in many forms of communication, from literature and poetry to everyday conversations, advertising slogans, and even newspaper headlines. It can make writing more interesting and engaging by creating emotional, visual, or sensory connections, making it easier for the listeners to relate to the content.

Key Takeaways

• Figurative Language Enhances Communication: Common figures of speech make writing more vivid and engaging by going beyond actual meanings. They help paint pictures in the reader’s mind and convey complex ideas more clearly.
• Metaphors and Similes: Similes use “like” or “as” to compare two different things, while metaphors make direct comparisons without these terms. Both techniques help create vivid imagery and deeper understanding.
• Hyperbole and Personification: Hyperbole involves exaggerated statements to emphasize a point or add humor, while personification figure of speech gives human traits to non-human elements, making descriptions more relatable and dynamic.
• Diverse Uses: Figurative language is prevalent in literature, everyday conversations, and advertising. Understanding and using these techniques can make communication more impactful and memorable.

Figurative Language: Simile, Metaphor, and Other Types of Figures of Speech

A simile is a figurative type of speech that compares two different things using the words “like,” “as,” or “than.” The objective is to create a vivid image in the reader’s mind by highlighting a specific characteristic that two things share. For instance, saying, “The boy was as brave as a lion in the jungle,” helps the reader picture a boy showing courage just like a lion, known for its bravery in the wild. 

This type of figurative speech is common in everyday language and is used to make descriptions more colorful and engaging. For example, when you say, “The assistant was as busy as a bee,” you parallel the assistant’s activity to that of a bee, known for its hard work. Another example is, “Andrew was white as a sheet after he stepped out of the horror movie,” which vividly conveys how frightened he was.

Other such figure of speech examples include:

– “They fought like cats and dogs,” showing a fierce argument.

– “Her love for her children is as constant as the passing of time,” indicating unwavering affection.

By using comparisons, this type of figurative speech helps the audience connect with and better understand the subject being described.

A metaphor is a way of describing something by saying it is something else, without using “like” or “as.” This figure of speech makes a direct comparison between two different things to create a vivid picture or deeper understanding. For example, saying “Time is money” parallels time to money to show how valuable it is. The statement doesn’t mean that time literally equals money, but it emphasizes that time should be spent wisely, just like money.

This type of figurative speech can make writing more engaging and help readers connect with the meaning behind terms. For instance, saying “Love is a battlefield” suggests that love can be challenging and full of conflicts. Another example, “He was an onion,” shows that someone might have many layers to their personality that need to be peeled back to be understood.

Sometimes, this kind of figurative speech can stretch over several sentences or even a whole piece of writing. These are called extended metaphors. They help deepen the meaning by continuing the comparison for a longer time. For example, “The tall trees were curtains that surrounded us during our picnic” creates a picture of trees as if they were curtains, giving a sense of privacy and enclosure.

This type of expression of speech is a powerful tool in language because it enables writers and speakers to express complex ideas simply and creatively, helping the audience see things in a new light.

This figure of speech uses extreme exaggeration to emphasize a point, add emotion, or create humor. It’s so over-the-top that no one would actually believe the statement is true, but that’s what makes it effective. You likely use this type of figurative speech in everyday conversations without even realizing it.

For instance, when someone says, “I’ve told you a million times to wash the dishes,” they don’t mean a million times. They just want to stress how often they’ve made that request. This kind of figurative speech adds color and drama, making the message stand out.

Other common examples include:

– “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”

– “This bag weighs a ton.”

– “You snore like a freight train.”

This type of figurative speech can also bring humor or urgency to a situation. For example, saying, “If I don’t eat soon, I’m going to die of hunger,” doesn’t mean you will actually die. It just emphasizes how extremely hungry you feel.

By using this kind of figurative speech, writers and speakers can make their language more lively, vivid, and memorable.

Personification

Personification is a form of figurative speech where human characteristics are given to non-human objects, animals, or abstract ideas. This technique makes descriptions more vivid and relatable, helping readers identify with the text on a deeper level. By using this figure of speech, writers can bring life to inanimate objects or ideas, making them feel as if they have emotions, intentions, or actions like a human being.

For instance, saying “The sun greeted me when I woke up” gives the sun the human ability to greet, sparking the imagination of readers. Other examples of this kind of figurative speech include: “The car brakes screamed all through the journey,” or “The computer argued with me and refused to work.” In each case, the non-human subjects are described as if they have human traits or actions.

This figurative speech type can add color and interest to writing, allowing readers to visualize and emotionally engage with the subject matter. It makes the description more dynamic and memorable, helping to create a more engaging reading experience.

Synecdoche is a type of figurative speech where a part of something is used to represent the whole, or the whole is used to represent a part. It’s a way to make language more vivid and engaging by using familiar parts to describe something larger or vice versa.

For example, when someone says “a set of wheels,” they often mean a car. Here, “wheels,” which are just a part of the car, represent the entire vehicle. Similarly, referring to a businessman as “a suit” uses a piece of clothing to represent the person wearing it.

Other examples of synecdoche include:

– “Bread” to mean food in general or money.

– “Head” to count people or cattle.

– “Hired hands” to refer to workers.

Synecdoche can also work in the opposite way, using a whole to refer to a part. For example, when people say “New England won the game,” they are referring to the New England football team, not the entire region. Another example is “The White House issued a statement,” where the whole building represents the President or their administration.

Synecdoche adds color to language by making it more concise and imaginative, helping listeners and readers visualize and understand the context more easily.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia refers to words that mimic or resemble the sounds they describe. These terms make writing more vivid and engaging by bringing the sound of the action to life for the reader. They help create a sense of reality, making it easier to imagine the scene.

Common examples of this type of figure of speech include words like “buzz,” “bang,” “splash,” and “roar.” When you read a sentence like, “The alarm clock buzzed,” you can almost hear the annoying sound it makes. Or consider, “The water splashed all over the car” — the term “splash” mimics the sound of water hitting a surface. 

Using onomatopoeia can add drama, humor, or intensity to a narrative. It brings emotions and situations to life, whether it’s the “hiss” of a fireplace, the “roar” of a truck engine, or the “grumble” of a hungry stomach. These words capture the essence of the sounds around us, enhancing the reader’s experience.

An oxymoron is a figurative language where two opposite or contradictory terms are placed together to create a new meaning or emphasize a point. It often uses an adjective followed by a noun. This combination of conflicting ideas can create a striking or memorable description.

For example, in the phrase “jumbo shrimp,” the words “jumbo” and “shrimp” seem to contradict each other. “Jumbo” suggests something large, while “shrimp” usually refers to something small. However, when paired, they create a unique meaning that catches the reader’s attention. Similarly, the expression “thoughtless idea” brings together two conflicting ideas to highlight a point in an unexpected way.

Oxymorons are commonly used in writing and speech to add depth or humor. Phrases like “loud silence,” “awfully good,” or “ever-flowing stillness” use contradiction to make a point more vividly or provoke thought. The use of oxymoron can make language more interesting and add a layer of complexity to simple statements.

Litotes is a figurative language that uses understatement to emphasize a point. It often involves using a double negative to express a positive meaning. Instead of directly stating something, this figure of speech affirms an idea by negating its opposite. This form of speech can often have a subtle, sometimes sarcastic tone.

For example, saying “I can’t say I disagree” is another way of saying “I agree.” Similarly, the phrase “She’s not unkind” means “She is kind.” Other examples include “A million dollars is no small chunk of change,” which emphasizes that a million dollars is a significant amount.

Litotes is an effective way to add emphasis or irony to a statement, making the language more interesting and engaging.

An idiom is a phrase or saying whose meaning is different from the actual meaning of the terms used. These phrases are common in everyday language and are often unique to specific cultures and languages. Idioms can be hard for language learners to understand because their true meaning isn’t obvious from the words themselves.

For example, if someone says, “I have a frog in my throat,” it doesn’t mean they actually have a frog in their throat. Instead, it means they are having trouble speaking, often due to a sore throat or hoarseness. 

Other idioms include “green thumb,” which means someone is good at gardening, or “raining cats and dogs,” which describes heavy rain. Another example is “throw in the towel,” which means to give up. These expressions make language colorful but can be confusing for those who don’t know their figurative meaning.

Alliteration

Alliteration is a literary tool where the same consonant sound is repeated at the beginning of several terms close to each other. This literary device often highlights an emotion or enhances a description. It creates a rhythmic or melodic effect that can make phrases more memorable.

For example, in “She sells seashells by the seashore,” the repetition of the “s” sound makes the line catchy and engaging. Another example is “The pitter-patter of paws echoed down the hallway,” where the repetition of the “p” sound emphasizes the soft noise of the paws.

Alliteration can also be seen in tongue twisters, where the repeated sounds challenge pronunciation, like “She sells seashells by the seashore.” This device not only adds emphasis but also adds a lyrical quality to the text.

Wrap-up: Figurative Speech

Different types of figures of speech enrich our language by using words and phrases in creative ways that go beyond their literal meanings. All figurative language paints vivid pictures, clarifies complex ideas, and evokes emotions. Similes compare different things using “like” or “as” to make descriptions more engaging, while metaphors create direct comparisons to offer deeper insights. Hyperboles use exaggeration to emphasize points or add humor, and personification gives human traits to non-human elements to make descriptions more relatable.

Figurative language appears across various forms of communication, from everyday conversations to literature and advertising. It transforms ordinary speech into something more memorable and impactful, helping the audience connect more deeply with the content. By understanding and using these figures of speech, we can make our communication more dynamic and expressive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a figure of speech?  

A figure of speech uses terms or phrases in ways that go beyond their actual meanings to create vivid images or emotional effects. It helps make writing and speech more engaging and expressive.

2. What is a simile?  

This figurative speech type compares two things using “like” or “as.” For example, “brave as a lion” helps create a strong image of bravery.

3. What is a metaphor?  

This type of figurative speech describes something by saying it is something else, without using “like” or “as.” For example, “Time is money” suggests time is valuable, like money.

4. What is hyperbole used for?  

This kind of figurative speech involves extreme embellishments to emphasize a point or add humor. For example, “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is not literal but highlights intense hunger.

Elevate Your Communication with Figurative Speech

At Prezentium, we know that making a memorable impact goes beyond straightforward language. Figurative speech can transform your presentations into powerful tools that captivate and engage your audience. Imagine describing your latest project as “a beacon in a sea of mediocrity” or using an idiom to convey the depth of your ideas—these techniques can make your message stand out.

With our Overnight Presentations , we ensure that your key points are highlighted with the right figures of speech, tailored to your audience. Our Accelerators help you craft visuals and templates that make your comparisons and descriptions shine. And through Zenith Learning , we provide workshops that teach you to harness these expressive tools effectively.

Let Prezentium help you turn your presentations into compelling stories that resonate and inspire. Reach out today to see how our expertise can elevate your communication.

Why wait? Avail a complimentary 1-on-1 session with our presentation expert. See how other enterprise leaders are creating impactful presentations with us.

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Meaning of sum (something/someone) up in English

• sum (something/someone) up

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• Childish? That just about sums him up!
• How would you sum up his attitude to work ?
• He summed up the situation in one word: chaos .
• Her description of the party as a riot just about summed it up.
• The look of dejection on his face sums up the mood of the team .
• a (quick/brisk) trot through something idiom
• brushstroke
• encapsulate
• encapsulation
• executive summary
• recapitulation
• shorthand for something idiom
• to make a long story short idiom
• sum something/someone up
• archetypically
• be someone all over idiom
• instantiate
• symbolization

You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:

• Here's a sum-up of Houellebecq's thinking on the matter .
• Sum-up: A dry subject suddenly the talk of the town .
• Both debaters performed well, but one lost a little focus during the sum-up at the end.
• Give me a sum-up: 20 seconds .

sum up (something/someone) | Intermediate English

Sum up (something/someone), sum (sth) up | business english, sum (sth) up, translations of sum (something/someone) up.

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a small bed for a baby or young child with high bars around the sides so that the child cannot fall out

Treasure troves and endless supplies (Words and phrases meaning ‘source’)

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