Definition of amount to

The English phrase "amount to" has its roots in the Old French language, where it was originally expressed as "avountre." This phrase, meaning "a coming together" or "a bringing together," evolved over time to become "amount" in Middle English, which referred to the sum or total of something. The verb "to be" was added to this term in the 16th century, creating the modern phrase "amount to." Originally, the expression was used to indicate the value or worth of something, such as "his savings amount to a modest sum." However, today the phrase is also used figuratively to convey the concept of being equivalent in meaning or effect. For instance, "her arguments amount to the same thing" means that her arguments are essentially the same as those of someone else. By following this evolution of meaning, "amount to" has become a versatile and commonly used phrase in the English language.