Counting Definition and Meaning
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 5, 2024
Counting means determining the total number of items in a group by assigning each one a unique number. e.g., The children were counting the stars in the sky.
Table of Contents
Counting Definitions
Enumerating: Listing items one by one to determine a total.
The inventory process involves counting every item in stock.
Relying On: Depending on someone or something for support.
You're someone I'm counting on to help with the project.
Keeping Track: Keeping track of a number as it increases or decreases.
He was counting the days until his birthday.
Assessing Chances: Evaluating or assessing the likelihood of something happening.
We're counting our chances before making a decision.
Tallying Up: Adding up numbers or quantities.
They were counting votes after the election.
Calculating Sum: Calculating the total sum of various numbers.
Counting the total cost involved adding up all the expenses.
Reciting Numbers: Reciting numbers in order, usually starting from one.
The exercise involved counting to one hundred.
Number Assignment: Assigning numbers to items to determine quantity.
She enjoyed counting the coins in her piggy bank.
Including: Making sure to include someone or something in a plan or activity.
Are you counting me in for the trip?
To name or list (the units of a group or collection) one by one in order to determine a total; number.
To recite numerals in ascending order up to and including
Count three before firing.
To include in a reckoning; take account of
Ten dogs, counting the puppies.
To include by or as if by counting
Count me in.
To exclude by or as if by counting
Count me out.
To believe or consider to be; deem
Count yourself lucky.
To recite or list numbers in order or enumerate items by units or groups
Counted by tens.
To have importance
You really count with me.
To have a specified importance or value
Their opinions count for little. Each basket counts for two points.
(Music) To keep time by counting beats.
The act of counting or calculating.
A number reached by counting.
The totality of specific items in a particular sample
A white blood cell count.
(Law) Any of the separate and distinct charges or causes of action in an indictment or complaint.
(Sports) The counting from one to ten seconds, during which time a boxer who has been knocked down must rise or be declared the loser.
(Baseball) The number of balls and strikes that an umpire has called against a batter.
A count
The act by which something is counted.
Present participle of count
The act of counting;
The counting continued for several hours
Measuring Time: Using numbers to measure the passage of time.
Counting the seconds can help manage anxiety.
Counting Snonyms
Tallying
Adding up or recording amounts or numbers.
She was tallying the votes from the election.
Enumerating
Mentioning things one by one.
The report enumerated all the reasons for the project's failure.
Summing
Adding up to a total; summarizing.
Summing up the points makes it clear who the winner is.
Reckoning
Calculating or concluding after consideration.
By my reckoning, we should arrive by early evening.
Calculating
Determining by mathematical means.
He was calculating the total expenses of the trip.
Numbering
Assigning numbers to or counting.
The library books are numbered according to their subjects.
Quantifying
Expressing or measuring the quantity of.
The study aims to quantify the impact of the new policy.
Tabulating
Arranging data in a tabular, or systematic, form.
The results of the survey were tabulated and analyzed.
Itemizing
Creating or making a list of items.
The bill itemizes all charges and taxes.
Computing
Calculating or reckoning a figure or amount.
The computer is computing the data more efficiently than before.
Counting Idioms & Phrases
Counting your chickens before they hatch
Making plans based on assumptions or events that have not yet happened.
He's already spending his expected bonus, counting his chickens before they hatch.
Counting the days
Eagerly anticipating an upcoming event.
She's counting the days until her graduation ceremony.
Counting on you
Relying or depending on someone for support or assistance.
I'm counting on you to help me move this weekend.
Counting pennies
Being very careful with money, usually due to a limited budget.
After the unexpected expense, they were counting pennies to make ends meet.
Counting sheep
A method of trying to fall asleep by mentally visualizing sheep jumping over a fence.
I couldn't sleep last night, so I tried counting sheep.
Keep counting
To continue doing something diligently or persistently.
When you're working towards your goal, just keep counting, and don't get discouraged.
Counting your blessings
Being grateful for what you have rather than focusing on what you lack.
Whenever I feel down, I start counting my blessings to lift my spirits.
Stop counting
To cease expecting or depending on something to happen.
After several delays, they told us to stop counting on a prompt start.
Not counting for much
Not being considered important or valuable.
In the grand scheme of things, those small setbacks don't count for much.
Counting the cost
Considering the consequences or outcomes of an action, especially the negatives.
After the argument, both were counting the cost of their harsh words.
Every second counts
Emphasizing that time is precious and should not be wasted.
In a medical emergency, every second counts.
Counting the minutes
Waiting eagerly or impatiently for something.
She was counting the minutes until she could see him again.
Counting to ten
Taking a moment to calm down, usually to avoid anger or frustration.
When he realized he was getting too angry, he started counting to ten.
Counting out loud
Saying numbers sequentially aloud, often while measuring or allocating.
To keep his place, he started counting out loud as he distributed the papers.
Counting one's losses
Acknowledging and accepting what has been lost in a situation.
After the failed project, the team had to start counting their losses.
Worth counting
Deserving attention or consideration due to importance or value.
Every small step towards progress is worth counting.
Counting down the clock
Waiting for something to end, often impatiently.
During the last minutes of work, everyone was just counting down the clock.
Beyond counting
Too numerous to count; a very large amount.
The stars in the sky are beyond counting.
Who's counting?
A rhetorical question indicating that the exact number is either unimportant or has been lost track of.
This is probably my fifth coffee today, but who's counting?
Double-counting
The error of counting something more than once in a calculation or analysis.
They realized the discrepancy in the budget was due to double-counting some expenses.
Counting Example Sentences
She's counting the steps as she walks.
We're counting on good weather for the picnic.
The teacher asked the students to start counting backward from ten.
They were busy counting the attendees at the conference.
Counting sheep is a classic way to fall asleep.
She's counting down the days until summer vacation.
Counting laps is part of my swimming routine.
Counting calories is one way to manage weight.
He's been counting the hours until the concert.
Are you counting the votes for class president?
The app helps with counting daily water intake.
Counting blessings can improve one's mood.
I'm counting on you to keep this secret.
They spent the evening counting stars.
He's good at counting cards in games.
Common Curiosities
How do we divide counting into syllables?
Counting is divided into syllables as count-ing.
Why is it called counting?
It is called counting because it refers to the action of determining the total number of items in a set by enumerating them one by one.
How many syllables are in counting?
There are two syllables in counting.
What is a stressed syllable in counting?
The stressed syllable in counting is the first syllable, "count."
How is counting used in a sentence?
"She was counting the coins in her piggy bank."
What is the pronunciation of counting?
The pronunciation of counting is /ˈkaʊntɪŋ/.
What is the verb form of counting?
The verb form is "count."
What is the second form of counting?
The second form (simple past) is "counted."
What is another term for counting?
Another term for counting could be "enumerating."
Is counting a noun or adjective?
Counting is primarily a verb (gerund) and can function as a noun. It is not an adjective.
What is the root word of counting?
The root word of counting is "count."
Is counting an abstract noun?
As a noun, "counting" refers to the action of counting, which is a process rather than a tangible object, making it somewhat abstract.
Is counting a countable noun?
When used as a noun, counting is considered uncountable because it refers to the action or process of counting.
Which determiner is used with counting?
Determiners like "the" can be used with counting when it functions as a noun, e.g., "The counting of votes took hours."
What is the first form of counting?
The first form (base form) is "count."
Is counting a negative or positive word?
Counting is neutral; its connotation depends on the context in which it is used.
Is counting a collective noun?
No, counting is not a collective noun.
Is the word counting is imperative?
The base verb "count" can be used in the imperative mood, e.g., "Count the money," but "counting" itself is not imperative.
What is the third form of counting?
The third form (past participle) is "counted."
What part of speech is counting?
Counting is a verb in its gerund or present participle form and can also function as a noun.
Is the word “counting” a Direct object or an Indirect object?
"Counting" can serve as a direct object in a sentence, e.g., "I enjoy counting."
Which conjunction is used with counting?
Conjunctions such as "and," "but," or "or" can be used in sentences involving "counting."
What is the opposite of counting?
The opposite of counting could be "estimating" if considering the precision aspect, or "ignoring" if considering the action of not counting.
Is the counting term a metaphor?
Counting can be used metaphorically to represent considering or taking into account various factors in a situation.
Which preposition is used with counting?
Prepositions such as "on" (counting on someone) or "of" (the counting of items) can be used with "counting."
What is the singular form of counting?
As a gerund or noun, "counting" does not have a singular or plural form; it remains "counting."
What is the plural form of counting?
Not applicable, as "counting" does not change form based on number.
Is counting an adverb?
No, counting is not an adverb.
Is counting a vowel or consonant?
This question applies to letters, not words. "C," the first letter of counting, is a consonant.
Is the word counting Gerund?
Yes, "counting" is the gerund form of the verb "count."
Which vowel is used before counting?
Articles "a" or "an" are typically not used directly before gerunds like "counting."
Which article is used with counting?
The definite article "the" can be used with "counting" when it is used as a noun in a specific context.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Term
Try Definition and Meaning
Next Term
Flavor Definition and MeaningAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
