Whole Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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whole
[hoʊl ]
Definitions
complete
comprising the full quantity, extent, duration, etc., not broken, damaged, or diminished, complete; entire, full; total, unimpaired or undiminished; free of injury or harm, intact
Synonyms
complete, entire, full, intact, total.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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whole |
When referring to something in its entirety, often in a literal sense. Suitable for everyday language.
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complete |
When referring to something that has all its parts or is finished. Often used in formal or academic contexts.
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entire |
When emphasizing the fullness or whole of something, often used for emphasis or in formal settings.
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total |
Referring to the sum or entirety, especially when calculating or measuring something.
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full |
When something has no more space or is filled to capacity. Can also refer to thoroughness.
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intact |
When something remains whole and undamaged. Often used in contexts referring to preservation or wholeness despite conditions.
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Examples of usage
- He ate the whole pie by himself.
- The whole town came out to support the team.
- She was feeling whole again after the breakup.
entirety
entirety of something; all of something
Synonyms
aggregate, entirety, sum, totality.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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whole |
Use 'whole' to indicate something complete or not divided into parts. This word is often used in everyday conversations.
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entirety |
Use 'entirety' to emphasize the completeness or wholeness of something. It is often used to stress that nothing is left out.
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totality |
Use 'totality' in formal contexts to convey the idea of the whole amount or extent of something. It is often used in academic or philosophical discussions.
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sum |
Use 'sum' to refer specifically to the result of adding numbers, or metaphorically to the total of different parts. It's often used in mathematics and everyday speech.
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aggregate |
Use 'aggregate' in formal or technical contexts to describe a total amount composed of different parts. It is often used in mathematics, statistics, and economics.
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Examples of usage
- The whole of the book is dedicated to his travels.
- She couldn't believe the whole of the story.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers often discuss the concept of wholeness in relation to existence and purpose.
- In Gestalt psychology, the idea is that the mind perceives objects as complete forms rather than just a collection of parts.
- Holism is a philosophy that emphasizes the importance of the whole over its individual parts.
Mathematics
- In mathematics, 'whole numbers' refer to non-negative integers, including zero, which illustrates the idea of completeness in counting.
- The concept of wholes and parts is crucial in set theory, where a whole set is made of individual elements.
- There is a mathematical principle called 'whole-part relationship' showing how components create a complete structure.
Cultural Practices
- Many cultures have rituals focused on the idea of wholeness, such as ceremonies that celebrate completeness in life cycles.
- In cooking, serving whole foods (like vegetables and grains) is considered healthier compared to processed ones.
- The phrase 'hole in one' in golf metaphorically reflects achieving a complete success in one attempt.
Wellness
- 'Wholeness' is often discussed in mind-body practices, emphasizing the need for balance between mental and physical health.
- In many wellness teachings, achieving wholeness involves self-acceptance and integration of all aspects of oneself.
- Activities like yoga and meditation are considered ways to support feeling whole and connected.
Origin of 'whole'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'whole' comes from the Old English word 'hal', meaning healthy or uninjured.
- Over time, the meaning evolved to represent completeness, indicating that nothing is missing.
- Related words like 'wholesome' include the root suggesting good health and entirety.
The word 'whole' originated from Middle English 'hol', from Old English 'hāl', meaning entire, uninjured, healthy. The sense of 'complete, entire' developed in Middle English. The word has been used in various contexts throughout history to convey the idea of completeness and totality.
See also: unwholesomely, wholehearted, wholeheartedly, wholeness, wholesome, wholly.