I. al ‧ to ‧ geth ‧ er 1 S2 W3 /ˌɔːltəˈɡeðə◂ $ ˌɒːltəˈɡeðər◂/ BrE AmE adverb
[ Date: 1100-1200 ; Origin: all 'everything, everyone' + together ]
1 . used to emphasize that something has been done completely or has finished completely:
an old custom that has vanished altogether
Congress could ban the procession altogether.
2 . [+adjective/adverb] used to emphasize that the way you describe something is completely true:
In Canada, the situation is altogether different.
This latest problem is altogether more serious.
not altogether (=not completely)
I wasn’t altogether happy about Mike staying over.
The results were not altogether surprising.
3 . used to show that you are referring to the total amount:
There were five people altogether.
How much do I owe you altogether?
4 . used to make a final statement about several things you have just mentioned SYN all in all :
Lots of sunshine, wonderful food, and amazing nightlife – altogether a great vacation!
II. altogether 2 BrE AmE noun
in the altogether not wearing any clothes – used humorously:
Several of the men were parading around in the altogether.