Basic Details
Word: Subtotal
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The total amount before tax or additional charges, usually found in a bill or invoice.
Synonyms: Interim total, partial total
Antonyms: Total, grand total
Idioms and Phrases
- Adding it all up: Referring to the process of calculating totals. Example: "After adding it all up, I realised I spent more than planned."
- First things first: Prioritising important tasks before others. Example: "Before we get to the subtotal, let's make sure we have all our receipts."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The cashier showed me the subtotal before including tax in my shopping bill.
Example 2: When reviewing my finances, I always check the subtotal to see my spending before extra fees.
Example 3: The receipt showed a subtotal of £25 before the 20% VAT was added on.
Fun Fact
The term "subtotal" comes from the Latin word "sub-" meaning "under" and "totalis" meaning "total", which indicates that it is a value beneath the final amount.
Famous Quote
"In every business to finish first, you must first finish." - Rick Sayers
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "subtotal" mean?
a) A final bill
b) The total before tax or extra charges
c) A specific discount
d) A type of tax
Answer: b) The total before tax or extra charges
2. Which of these is a synonym of "subtotal"?
a) Final total
b) Interim total
c) Net amount
d) Balance due
Answer: b) Interim total
3. What is the opposite of "subtotal"?
a) Final count
b) Grand total
c) Interim amount
d) Initial amount
Answer: b) Grand total
4. Which sentence uses "subtotal" correctly?
a) The subtotal showed I had to pay nothing.
b) The subtotal was higher than expected after I added the tax.
c) The subtotal is a type of fruit.
d) The subtotal flew away.
Answer: b) The subtotal was higher than expected after I added the tax.
5. What idiom suggests you should evaluate all information before making conclusions?
a) First things first
b) Adding it all up
c) Jumping the gun
d) Getting ahead of oneself
Answer: b) Adding it all up
