All Meaning

UK /ɔːl/
US /ɔːl/
Word Definition
all meaning

All Definition & Usage

determiner

Refers to the total or complete amount of something or everything in a particular group or category.

Examples

  • "All of the cookies are gone."
  • "She invited all of her friends to the party."
  • "We need all the reports on my desk by 5 PM."
  • "All the books in the library are available for checkout."
  • "He watched all the movies in the series."
pronoun

Used when referring to the whole quantity of something or a group as a single unit.

Examples

  • "All are welcome to attend."
  • "All of us are responsible for the project."
  • "Do you think all will be okay?"
  • "All is quiet in the town tonight."
  • "He gave his all during the competition."
adverb

Used to modify verbs or adjectives to imply totality or completeness.

Examples

  • "The cake was all gone by the time I arrived."
  • "He was all alone in the room."
  • "She was all smiles after the good news."
  • "The situation was all wrong from the start."
  • "The team was all set for the big game."

Cultural Context

The word 'all' has its origins in Old English ('eall'), meaning everything or the total of something. It has remained a fundamental part of the English language, used in various forms to express completeness or universality. In contemporary culture, 'all' is used in everything from casual conversations to formal contexts. It also has cultural significance in phrases like 'all is fair in love and war' or 'all in all,' which express a sense of totality or conclusion.

The All-or-Nothing Game

Story

The All-or-Nothing Game

In the small village of Brookstone, a group of friends had gathered at the local park to play an intense game of soccer. The rules were simple: win or lose. No draws. The team that scored the most goals would take home the trophy, but it wasn’t just any trophy—it was an heirloom passed down through generations of village champions. As the game began, the atmosphere was electric with tension. 'We’ve got to give it our all,' Mark shouted to his team, his voice filled with determination. The match was close, with each team scoring goal after goal. With only a few minutes left on the clock, it was clear: the game was all but decided. But then, something unexpected happened. Sarah, the smallest member of the team, made an incredible play, passing the ball to Mark, who scored the final goal just as time ran out. As the whistle blew, signaling the end of the game, Mark looked at his teammates, sweat dripping from his forehead. 'We did it! All of us. This trophy is ours!' he exclaimed, holding the golden cup high. His team gathered around, grinning from ear to ear, proud of their effort. All their hard work had paid off. Later, sitting in the park's small café, the team reflected on the game. 'I’m so glad we gave it our all,' said Sarah, still catching her breath. 'Yeah, I couldn’t have done it without all of you,' Mark agreed. The camaraderie they shared was undeniable. Everyone had given their all, and in the end, they had truly earned the victory. As they left the park, the sun was setting, casting a warm glow over the village. All was peaceful once again in Brookstone, but for this team, the memory of their victory would remain forever. The game had been more than just a competition; it had been a testament to what could be achieved when everyone gave everything they had, leaving no room for anything less than total commitment.

The All-or-Nothing Game