sum of its parts en · NOUN
Meanings
-
A group which can be seen as a mere juxtaposition of the elements that compose it; a collection of things in which there is no new property or added value that emerges from the interactions between its parts.
Together, the ant colony was greater than the sum of its parts.
The whole is different from the sum of its parts.
4th century BCE, Aristotle, Metaphysics:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| sum of parts | alternative | lexicographic | |
| sums of their parts | Number=Plur | lexicographic |
Relateds
compositionality · emergence · emergent · synergistic · synergy · compositional
Synonyms
Translations (4)
de Summe seiner Teile (Translations) · hu a részek/részei(nek) összege/összessége/együttese (Translations) · ru сумма его частей (Translations) · pl suma części składowych (Translations)