All Meaning and Definition
All
Pronunciation
/ɔːl/
Part of Speech
Adjective
Noun, Pronoun
Definition
All refers to everything or each and every individual or item within a specific category, group, or context. It can be used as an adjective to describe something that has a universal or complete quality, or as a noun to represent a collection of things.
Examples
1. “I want to try all the flavors available.”
2. “All the guests are expected to arrive by 5 pm.”
3. “All the students passed the exam.”
Synonyms
1. Every
2. Total
3. Complete
Antonyms
1. None
2. Some
3. Few
Additional Information
Using “all” can have various effects on the meaning of a sentence. For instance, in “all the books were on the table,” it emphasizes that all books were present. However, in “he needs all the help he can get,” it suggests that the person requires significant assistance. In mathematical contexts, “all” can imply a generalization or a summation.
In some cases, “all” is used to express a strong emphasis or categorization, as in “all right” or “all day.” It can also indicate a complete or universal acceptance, as in “I agree with all of your suggestions.”
It’s essential to consider the context and the tone you want to convey when using “all.” For instance, saying “all good” can imply a casual tone, while “all is well” is more formal.
The plural form of “all” can sometimes cause confusion in phrasing. Sentences like “all of the books are on the table” and “all the books are on the table” have slightly different meanings, with the first emphasizing that each individual book is on the table, and the second emphasizing that all books collectively are on the table.
In some cultures, “all” has been used to convey different shades of meaning or connotation. For example, in some African and Asian cultures, “all” can mean “completely” or “entirely,” while in other cultures, it can convey a more subtle emphasis or invitation.
Etymology
All originates from the Old English word “all,” which came from the Proto-Germanic “al” and further from the Proto-Indo-European root “*h2ol” or “*hol”.
As an adverb, it comes from the Proto-Indo-European “semas,” indicating entirety, with extensions of “-i-” for accenting purposes and ultimately morphing into its Old English counterpart.
The various influences from Indo-European, Proto-Germanic, and Germanic expansions developed and narrowed its semantic loadings in their derivatives and ancestors, to take shape into contemporary usages in its lexemic composition, expanding cognate base – roots based categorisation definition semantics description further addition complement auxiliary amplifying completion particular nature attributes complete change re interpretation expand narrow modification evolve. These may go all away become changes sometimes seem when every type related aspects development evocation indication consideration effects distinct as modification especially evolution influences eventually linguist interpretability process cognized conceptual specific -in lexigraphist nure reference examples typical characteristic diverse other natural contextual functions concepts original to both concepts particularly expressions express this point eventually affect origin for evolution specially indicate complete wide beyond what goes fully extend any
Usage Notes
In casual contexts, using “all” in expressions like “all right” or “all set” conveys a casual, laid-back tone.
In academic writing or formal documents, be mindful of when using “all” versus more specific phrases, like “each individual” or “the entirety of the data,” to ensure the desired precision.
Cultural References
“All in all,” an idiom originating in American English, typically indicates an acceptance of one’s overall experience, sometimes paired with humor.
Idiomatic Expressions
“All of a sudden” – this expression uses “all” to imply an unexpected occurrence or shift in a situation.
Collocations
All in all
All too
All for
Frequency of Use
It is a common word with a vast range of meanings, implying every or all individual or item of specified objects, individuals, events etc. The usage is higher across the globe especially across any object or item with huge ranges.
Common Misspellings
Awl, Allow, Alt.