Count Meaning
Count Definition & Usage
To determine the total number of something by adding one by one.
Examples
- "Can you count the number of apples in the basket?"
- "She began to count the money, ensuring none of it was missing."
- "It’s important to count your steps when hiking in the woods."
- "He counted the days until his birthday."
- "They were counting down the days to the concert."
To consider something as part of a group or to include someone in a calculation.
Examples
- "She didn’t count the days she had to work as part of her vacation time."
- "I don’t count myself among the best players, but I enjoy the game."
- "The school counted 100 students in the graduation ceremony."
- "He didn’t count his previous experience when applying for the job."
- "You can count on me to help with the project."
The number of things or people after counting them.
Examples
- "The count of attendees at the meeting was over 50."
- "Can you give me a count of how many people voted?"
- "They recorded the count of donations raised at the charity event."
- "The final count of votes revealed a close race."
- "The count of passengers on the train was checked before departure."
A title of nobility used in various European countries, below a marquis or duke.
Examples
- "The count inherited his family’s title and estate."
- "She was introduced as Countess Elizabeth during the gala."
- "The count’s lands extended across several regions in the kingdom."
- "The title of count was granted to him by the king for his service."
- "The local count hosted a grand feast to celebrate the harvest."
To matter or be significant in a situation.
Examples
- "In the end, what counts is your happiness."
- "Her opinion really counts in this decision."
- "Does it count if I did not attend the meeting?"
- "It’s the thought that counts when giving a gift."
- "The contribution you make to the community really counts."
Cultural Context
The word 'count' has evolved from its Latin roots meaning 'to compute' or 'to calculate'. It has a rich history, both as a basic verb related to numeration and as a title of nobility, especially in European contexts.
The Count's Count
Story
The Count's Count
In the small town of Verdon, where rumors of nobles and adventurers always seemed to swirl, an unexpected encounter took place one summer evening. Clad in a dusty coat and a weathered hat, Elias had just returned to the town where he had grown up. He’d spent years counting coins on merchant ships, but now he sought something far more valuable — his heritage. Upon entering the town square, Elias was greeted by an old acquaintance, Agatha. 'So, you’re back. How does it feel to be a man of the sea?' she asked, eyeing the satchel that was his constant companion. 'Not as exciting as it sounds,' Elias replied with a smile. 'But I’ve counted the hours, the days, and now, it’s time to count what really matters.' Agatha raised an eyebrow. 'What counts, Elias?' He looked around, pointing to the old stone buildings, the church bell that tolled with the rhythm of time. 'It’s all in the count, isn’t it? The number of things we’ve lived through, the days we’ve survived, and the ones that count in the end.' The conversation shifted to lighter matters when a crowd began to form around the town hall. A new count had arrived from the neighboring kingdom to oversee the land’s resources. Elias couldn’t help but wonder how the count would fare in this quiet town, where time seemed to be marked more by the years that had passed than any numerical tally. As they entered the hall, the new count, a young man named Bertrand, stood on a raised platform. He introduced himself, his voice filled with authority. 'I am Count Bertrand, and I will oversee the land’s wealth and resources. My first task is to count the people who live here, and I assure you, your voices will count in the decisions made.' Elias looked over at Agatha. 'Now, that’s something that counts,' he whispered, realizing that no matter where he had been, it was the people he loved and the moments that truly mattered. It wasn’t the title, or the coins, but the count of those who mattered most. As they watched the count of the town’s population unfold, Elias felt a sense of peace. In the end, it wasn’t the tally of his past adventures that defined him, but the relationships that truly counted.