What is the Difference Between Summary and Summation?

The words "summary" and "summation" are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings and uses:

• Summary: A summary is a brief and condensed version of a longer piece of writing or a larger body of work. It aims to dispense with unnecessary matters and present only what is needed. Summary is used to provide an overview of a larger piece of work, often in journalism and academic writing.
• Summation: Summation, on the other hand, is the process of adding up a set of numbers or other quantities to form a total. It does not leave out anything and provides the grand total of all individual things. Summation is mostly used in mathematical and financial contexts.

In summary, "summary" is about condensing information into a more concise format, while "summation" is about combining elements to form a total. The two words should be used with precision to convey the accurate meaning. A summary provides a brief account of important points, such as a summary of a lesson or an event, whereas summation calculates the total value of a set of data.

Comparative Table: Summary vs Summation

Here is a table that highlights the differences between a summary and summation:

In summary, a summary is used to provide an overview of a larger piece of work, condensing information into a more concise form. On the other hand, summation is the process of adding up a set of numbers or quantities to calculate a total. They have distinct meanings and uses, and should not be used interchangeably, as doing so can lead to confusion and misunderstandings.