aggregate
This word carries a clinical, mathematical precision. It suggests a process of summation where individual identities are merged into a single, overarching figure or mass. It is far more formal than total or combined, often appearing in financial reports, academic papers, or engineering specifications. In a construction context, the word shifts from a conceptual sum to a physical substance. Here, it describes the grit and bulk that provides structural integrity, moving the meaning from an abstract calculation to a tangible, coarse material.
Countable when referring to a specific combined total or a particular type of construction material (an aggregate). Uncountable when referring to the general mass of sand and gravel used in building.
💬Casual Conversation
The contractor just called. He's short on the aggregate for the driveway.
Just tell him to pivot and source it from someone else.
Meanings
formed by the collection of several separate elements; total.
"The aggregate amount of the debt is staggering."
a whole formed by combining several separate elements.
"The overall score is an aggregate of three different tests."
a broad category of coarse-grained materials such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone used in construction.
"Concrete is made by mixing cement with water and aggregate."
Examples
The aggregate score of the two matches decided the winner.
The final result is an aggregate of all the individual points.
The workers poured a mixture of cement and aggregate into the mold.
The software aggregates financial data from multiple bank accounts.
The small monthly fees aggregate to a significant annual expense.
Collocations & Compounds
coarse aggregate
Noun collocation: large stones or gravel used in concrete
The contractor ordered five tons of coarse aggregate for the foundation.
aggregate demand
Noun collocation: the total demand for goods and services in an economy
Economists are monitoring aggregate demand to predict inflation trends.
aggregate score
Noun collocation: the combined total of points from multiple matches or tests
The team advanced to the finals after achieving a higher aggregate score.
aggregate data
Noun collocation: information combined from several sources for analysis
The report relies on aggregate data rather than individual responses.
aggregate the results
Verb collocation: to collect and combine various findings into a single total
The software will aggregate the results from all sensors in real time.
Phrasal Verbs
aggregate up
to accumulate or sum up a series of values into a final total
The small daily savings eventually aggregate up to a significant amount over the year.
Idioms & Sayings
in the aggregate
when considered as a whole rather than individually
While individual sales were low, the company performed well in the aggregate.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin aggregatus, the past participle of aggregare, which combines ad- meaning to or toward and gregare meaning to flock, from grex meaning a flock. The term originally referred to the act of bringing together into a herd or group before evolving into its current mathematical and material applications.