'amount' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'amonter', where 'a-' meant 'to' and 'monter' meant 'to mount or rise'.

'amonter' transformed into the Middle English word 'amounten', and eventually became the modern English word 'amount'.

Initially, it meant 'to rise or ascend', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'to total or add up'.