Which of the following best defines total utility?

Total utility refers to the overall satisfaction or pleasure that a consumer derives from consuming a certain quantity of goods or services. It encompasses the total benefit received from all units consumed, reflecting the cumulative enjoyment or utility gained rather than focusing on individual units.

This concept is essential in economics because it helps illustrate consumer behavior and decision-making. When individuals evaluate their consumption choices, they are often concerned with maximizing total utility, making this a fundamental aspect of understanding how consumers derive satisfaction from their purchases.

The other options highlight different aspects of utility. For instance, one addresses marginal utility, which is the additional satisfaction gained from consuming one more unit of a good, but this is not what total utility represents. Another option discusses the concept of loss in utility, which relates to consumer choice and opportunity cost, whereas total utility specifically emphasizes the total satisfaction from all units consumed without regard to prior consumption decisions. Lastly, the option regarding consumer preferences pertains to individual tastes but does not encapsulate the concept of total utility directly.