“Sub-” indicates that the subject is subordinate or secondary to a more important subject ( source). Not every prefix has such a drastic impact on what follows, though - many have a far more subtle effect, like the prefix sub. Prefixes can either add additional meaning to the base word or alter it to mean something completely new - such as how anti- shows that its subject is against or contrary to the word that follows ( source). There are a handful of prefixes that we use, and the way they attach to their base remains relatively consistent. We use prefixes to modify the meaning of a word. The key difference between subtotal and total is the addition of the sub- prefix. Image by ID 777546 via Pixabay Subtotal: the “Sub-” Prefix While a subtotal is the sum of a category or subgroup, a total is the complete calculation of all sets of categories or subgroups ( source).įrom an etymological sense, it is interesting to see that the word “total,” from Latin totalis, has not strayed far from its original definition, meaning “entire, all at once,” and other associated phrases pointing toward summing up everything ( source). To start off, we’ll first take a closer look at the definitions of both subtotal and total, followed by examining specific uses and related words to reinforce our understanding of the differences.

You might then wonder why we use “subtotal” at all since we will ultimately include it in the overall total anyway - and that’s a valid question that we hope to address in the sections to follow. Subtotals are used to show a calculation that forms part of a larger total sum. in contrast, subtotal describes the total of one set of numbers that will later be added to another set. Total is used to describe the final, overall sum of the other sets of numbers or subtotals. When you’re tallying up numbers, you’ll often come across the terms “subtotal” and “total.” Whether you know the difference or want to find out, this article will highlight some key differences that will help you use them correctly.

Grandtotal word