tally

/ˈtæli/

/ˈtæli/

Other forms: tallied; tallies; tallying; tallys

A tally is a continuous count of something, like the number of words in a document, or the number of favors your best friend owes you. To tally is to add up, like keeping the score of a game.

The word tally has to do with counting. It comes from the Latin word for “stick” because people used to keep a tally by marking a stick. Tally can be the total, or the act of adding it all up. If you count the bikers riding by, your count is a tally. As a verb, tally is used for keeping score. Two friends playing basketball need to tally the points after each basket so they don't lose track.

Definitions of tally

1. noun

   the act of counting; reciting numbers in ascending order
   synonyms: count, counting, enumeration, numeration, reckoning

   types:

   blood count

   the act of estimating the number of red and white corpuscles in a blood sample

   census, nose count, nosecount

   a periodic count of the population

   countdown

   counting backward from an arbitrary number to indicate the time remaining before some event (such as launching a space vehicle)

   miscount

   an inaccurate count

   poll

   the counting of votes (as in an election)

   recount

   an additional (usually a second) count; especially of the votes in a close election

   sperm count

   the act of estimating the number of spermatozoa in an ejaculate

   CBC, blood profile, complete blood count

   counting the number of white and red blood cells and the number of platelets in 1 cubic millimeter of blood

   differential blood count

   counting the number of specific types of white blood cells found in 1 cubic millimeter of blood; may be included as part of a complete blood count

   type of:

   investigating, investigation

   the work of inquiring into something thoroughly and systematically
2. noun

   a score in baseball made by a runner touching all four bases safely
   “their first tally came in the 3rd inning”

   synonyms: run

   types:

   earned run

   a run that was not scored as the result of an error by the other team

   unearned run

   a run that was scored as a result of an error by the other team

   rbi, run batted in

   a run that is the result of the batter's performance

   type of:

   score

   the act of scoring in a game or sport
3. noun

   a bill for an amount due
   synonyms: reckoning

   type of:

   account, bill, invoice

   an itemized statement of money owed for goods or services
4. verb

   determine the sum of
   synonyms: add, add together, add up, sum, sum up, summate, tot, tot up, total, tote up

   add, add together

   make an addition by combining numbers

   type of:

   count, enumerate, number, numerate

   determine the number or amount of
5. verb

   keep score, as in games
   synonyms: chalk up

   type of:

   enter, put down, record

   make a record of; set down in permanent form
6. verb

   gain points in a game
   synonyms: hit, rack up, score

   types:

   par

   make a score (on a hole) equal to par

   shoot

   score

   convert

   score (a spare)

   convert

   complete successfully

   convert

   score an extra point or points after touchdown by kicking the ball through the uprights or advancing the ball into the end zone

   homer

   hit a home run

   kick

   make a goal

   eagle

   shoot in two strokes under par

   hole up

   score a hole in one

   ace

   score an ace against

   walk

   obtain a base on balls

   equalise, equalize, get even

   compensate; make the score equal

   get, have, make

   achieve a point or goal

   place-kick

   score (a goal) by making a place kick

   type of:

   advance, gain, gain ground, get ahead, make headway, pull ahead, win

   obtain advantages, such as points, etc.
7. verb

   be compatible, similar or consistent; coincide in their characteristics
   synonyms: agree, check, correspond, fit, gibe, jibe, match

   check, check out

   be verified or confirmed; pass inspection

   accord, agree, comport, concord, consort, fit in, harmonise, harmonize

   be harmonious or consistent with

   types:

   consist

   be consistent in form, tenor, or character; be congruous

   look

   accord in appearance with

   answer

   match or correspond

   coincide

   be the same

   align

   be or come into adjustment with

   correlate

   bear a reciprocal or mutual relation

   parallel

   be parallel to

   duplicate, parallel, twin

   duplicate or match

   square

   be compatible with

   bear out, corroborate, support, underpin

   support with evidence or authority or make more certain or confirm

   resemble

   appear like; be similar or bear a likeness to

   conform to, fit, meet

   satisfy a condition or restriction

   homologize

   be homologous

   befit, beseem, suit

   accord or comport with

   accord, agree, comport, concord, consort, fit in, harmonise, harmonize

   be harmonious or consistent with

   pattern

   form a pattern

   adhere, hew

   be compatible or in accordance with

   rhyme, rime

   be similar in sound, especially with respect to the last syllable

   coordinate

   be co-ordinated

   look like

   bear a physical resemblance to

   come to life

   be lifelike, as of a painting

   take after

   be similar to a relative

   approximate, come close

   be close or similar

   fill the bill, fit the bill

   be what is needed or be good enough for what is required

   behoove, behove

   be appropriate or necessary

   fulfil, fulfill, live up to, satisfy

   meet the requirements or expectations of

   imitate

   appear like, as in behavior or appearance

   echo, recall

   call to mind

   blend, blend in, go

   blend or harmonize

   accommodate, fit, suit

   be agreeable or acceptable to

   assonate

   correspond in vowel sounds; rhyme in assonance

   type of:

   be, equal

   be identical or equivalent to