What can "aggregate" also refer to in a general sense?

"Aggregate" generally refers to a large, combined total, which captures the essence of the term. In various contexts, "aggregating" involves collecting and summing up smaller parts or elements to form a comprehensive whole. For instance, in statistics, it describes the process of combining individual data points to arrive at a total value that reflects the group as a unit.

In contrast, the other options represent different concepts. A small collection does not align with the typical usage of "aggregate," which implies a more substantial total. A critical analysis focuses on examining elements in detail rather than combining them, and an ongoing process suggests a temporal action rather than a totality. Thus, the choice of a large, combined total most accurately reflects the general sense of "aggregate."