/ ˌɔːltəˈgeðə(r); NAmE / adverb , noun
■ adverb
1.
(used to emphasize sth) completely; in every way :
The train went slower and slower until it stopped altogether.
I don't altogether agree with you.
I am not altogether happy about the decision.
It was an altogether different situation.
2.
used to give a total number or amount :
You owe me £68 altogether.
3.
used to introduce a summary when you have mentioned a number of different things :
The food was good and we loved the music. Altogether it was a great evening.
■ noun
•
IDIOMS
- in the altogether
••
WHICH WORD
altogether / all together
Altogether and all together do not mean the same thing. Altogether means 'in total' or (in BrE ) 'completely':
We have invited fifty people altogether.
•
I am not altogether convinced by this argument.
All together means 'all in one place' or 'all at once':
Can you put your books all together in this box?
•
Let's sing 'Happy Birthday'. All together now!
••
WORD ORIGIN
Old English , composite of all and together .