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Holistic Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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holistic

[hษ™สŠหˆlษชstษชk ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

approach to health

Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. Emphasizing the importance of the whole and the interdependence of its parts.

Synonyms

complete, comprehensive, integrated.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
holistic

Used when considering a system as a whole, rather than just focusing on individual parts. Often related to health, education, or approaches to problem-solving.

  • The holistic approach to medicine considers both mental and physical health
  • A holistic view of education includes not just academics, but also social and emotional development
comprehensive

Used when something covers everything that is relevant or necessary. Often used in the context of reports, studies, or plans.

  • The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the market trends
  • We need a comprehensive plan to address the issues in our community
integrated

Used when parts are combined to form a whole, often emphasizing harmony and unity. Commonly used in technology, systems, or educational approaches.

  • The new software is fully integrated with our existing systems
  • The school promotes an integrated curriculum that combines multiple subjects
complete

Used to describe something that is finished or includes all necessary parts. It emphasizes the fact that nothing is missing.

  • The project is now complete
  • He gave a complete list of ingredients needed for the recipe

Examples of usage

  • Holistic medicine considers the person as a whole, including physical, mental, and emotional aspects.
  • Holistic approach to education focuses on developing the student's mind, body, and spirit.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Health and Wellness

  • Holistic health views the mind, body, and spirit as interconnected elements that influence overall wellness.
  • Practices like yoga and meditation are often considered holistic because they address multiple aspects of health at once.
  • Holistic therapy focuses on treating the whole person rather than just their symptoms.

Education

  • Holistic education emphasizes the development of the whole person, including emotional and social skills, not just academic knowledge.
  • It encourages experiential learning, where students learn by doing and reflecting on their experiences.
  • This educational approach nurtures creativity, critical thinking, and self-awareness.

Pop Culture

  • Holistic approaches have influenced various wellness trends, including organic farming and natural health products.
  • Television shows and documentaries on wellness often highlight holistic lifestyles, promoting balance and mindfulness.
  • Many celebrities advocate holistic living, showcasing its principles through social media platforms.

Psychology

  • In psychology, holistic therapy considers personal history, behavior, environment, and emotions as factors in treatment.
  • Holistic approaches may include Art Therapy, allowing individuals to explore emotions creatively.
  • The concept of Gestalt therapy focuses on increasing awareness and acceptance of oneself as a whole.

Origin of 'holistic'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'holistic' comes from the Greek word 'holos,' meaning 'whole' or 'entire.'
  • The term began to be widely used in the 1920s, especially in philosophy and medicine.
  • The idea gained popularity in the 1970s, particularly in alternative medicine practices.

The term 'holistic' originated from the Greek word 'holos,' meaning whole. It was first introduced in the field of medicine in the 1920s to emphasize the importance of treating a person as a whole entity, rather than focusing solely on symptoms or specific body parts. The holistic approach has since expanded to various other disciplines, promoting interconnectedness and balance in all aspects of life.

See also: hole, holey.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,004, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.