count
Definitions
To find the total number of things by going through them one by one
数，计数（逐一清点求总数）
To matter; to have importance or value
有价值，重要，算数
To rely on or trust (usually 'count on')
依靠，指望（常用 count on）
An act of counting, or the total reached
计数；总数
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedcount is the worn-down French form of Latin computāre (com- 'together' + putāre 'reckon') — 'to reckon up.' The plain sense is tallying numbers. From there the meaning lifts: if something is part of your total, it's reckoned in — so 'it counts' means it matters, and to 'count on' someone is to reckon them in as reliable.
Root count still carries 8 more wordsWhy It Means This
The leap from 'enumerate' to 'matter' is worth noticing: in any tally, the things that get counted are the things that make up the total — they're the ones that 'add up.' So saying something 'counts' is saying it belongs in the total, it has weight. 'Count on' works the same way: you're entering that person into your plans as a sure figure.
Common Collocations
- 1.count on someone指望某人
- 2.count the cost权衡代价
- 3.lose count数不清了
- 4.head count人数清点
- 5.final count最终统计
Example Sentences
- 1.
She counted the chairs twice to make sure none were missing.
- 2.
It's not about winning prizes — what counts is that you tried.
- 3.
You can always count on him to show up when it matters.
- 4.
At the final count, over ten thousand votes had been cast.
Synonym Comparison
- count — go through items one by one to get a total
- calculate — work out a figure using math operations, not just tallying
- compute — calculate, often with a machine or formula (same Latin root as count)
- tally — keep a running count, often with marks
- enumerate — list things one by one (focus on naming, not totaling)