to add up to something; to make something as a total
Example:
- His earnings are said to amount to £300 000 per annum.
- They gave me some help in the beginning but it did not amount to much (= they did not give me much help).
to be equal to or the same as something
Example:
- Her answer amounted to a complete refusal.
- Their actions amount to a breach of contract.
- It'll cost a lot—well, take a lot of time, but it amounts to the same thing.
to develop into something
Example:
- You'll never amount to anything.