WHOLE

Definition of WHOLE

WHOLE Adjective, Noun and (less common) Adverb

Whole functions as an adjective, noun, and less commonly, as an adverb, describing something that is complete, undivided, or entire.

WHOLE as an adjective

As an adjective, whole describes something that is complete in its entirety, lacking any missing parts or divisions. It implies unity, integrity, and wholeness as opposed to being fragmented or incomplete.

Completeness and Unity: Whole is often used to describe entities, objects, or systems that are intact and undivided, possessing all their constituent parts or components. For example, “She felt a sense of satisfaction after completing the whole puzzle.”

Health and Wellness: In discussions of health and wellness, whole can describe a state of well-being that encompasses physical, mental, and emotional aspects. For instance, “Eating whole foods can contribute to overall health and vitality.”

Integrity and Authenticity: Whole may also connote integrity, authenticity, or genuineness, particularly in reference to individuals or entities that are sincere and consistent in their actions or beliefs. For example, “She admired his commitment to living a whole and authentic life.”

WHOLE as a noun

As a noun, whole refers to the entirety or totality of something, encompassing all its parts, components, or elements as a single entity.

Entirety or Totality: As a noun, whole refers to the entirety or completeness of something, emphasizing the unified nature of its constituent parts. For instance, “The whole of the project was greater than the sum of its parts.”

Wholeness and Unity: In philosophical or spiritual contexts, whole may denote a state of wholeness or unity, encompassing harmony, balance, and integration. For example, “He sought to achieve a sense of wholeness by integrating mind, body, and spirit.”

WHOLE as an adverb

As an adverb, whole modifies verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, indicating completeness or entirety in an action or state. It is less common in this usage but can be encountered in certain contexts.

Completeness in Action: As an adverb, whole modifies verbs to indicate completeness or entirety in an action or state. For example, “She ate the pie whole,” meaning she consumed the entire pie without cutting it into pieces.

In conclusion, whole is a versatile term that functions as an adjective, noun, and less commonly, as an adverb, describing completeness, unity, and integrity. Whether used to denote the entirety of something, the completeness of an object or system, or the state of wholeness and authenticity, whole underscores the importance of unity, integration, and coherence in various contexts. As a descriptive term, whole highlights the holistic nature of phenomena, emphasizing their unified identity and cohesive structure as integral aspects of their existence.


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Examples of WHOLE in a sentence

WHOLE as an adjective in a sentence

  • She baked a whole cake for the party.
  • The team worked together to solve the whole problem.
  • He felt a sense of relief after telling the whole truth.
  • The family spent the whole day at the beach.
  • The book provided a whole new perspective on the topic.
  • We need to consider the whole picture before making a decision.
  • After the renovation, the house looked like a whole new place.
  • He had a whole basket of apples to pick from the orchard.

WHOLE as a noun in a sentence

  • The whole of the town gathered to celebrate the festival.
  • She ate the whole of the apple, including the core.
  • He spent the whole of the afternoon working on his project.
  • They lost power for the whole of the weekend.
  • The whole of the cake was devoured in minutes.
  • He needed the whole of the day to finish his chores.
  • She wanted to capture the whole of the sunset in her painting.
  • They explored the whole of the museum during their visit.

WHOLE as an adverb in a sentence

  • She ate the apple whole, without cutting it into slices.
  • He drank the potion whole, without pausing to savor the taste.
  • The team finished the project whole without any major setbacks.
  • She swallowed the pill whole, without chewing it.
  • He packed the sandwich whole, without cutting it in half.
  • The jar was too big to fit in the drawer, so he stored it whole on the shelf.
  • They jumped into the lake and swam to the other side whole.
  • The story captivated her attention, and she read it whole in one sitting.

Etymology of WHOLE

Originating from Old English and Proto-Germanic roots, the term whole has traversed linguistic transformations before cementing its contemporary usage in English.

  • Old English and Proto-Germanic Origins: The term whole finds its roots in Old English “hal” or “hāl,” which conveyed the idea of being sound, healthy, or uninjured. This concept of completeness or intactness was further reinforced by related terms in Proto-Germanic languages.
  • Middle English Transition: As Old English transitioned into Middle English, the term whole retained its fundamental meaning of completeness or entirety. It was used to describe objects, concepts, or individuals that were undivided, unbroken, or fully integrated.
  • Early Modern English Usage: Throughout the Early Modern English period, the term whole continued to be employed in various contexts, including health, integrity, and completeness. It was also used metaphorically to convey ideas of unity, cohesion, and solidarity.
  • Contemporary Usage: In modern usage, whole encompasses a broad range of meanings, including completeness, entirety, and unity. It is commonly used to describe objects, systems, or entities that are undivided or unbroken. Additionally, the term is employed in idiomatic expressions and figurative language to convey ideas of completeness, integration, and coherence.

Through its journey from Old English and Proto-Germanic origins to its contemporary usage, the term whole reflects humanity’s enduring conceptualization of completeness, integrity, and unity, permeating various aspects of language and culture.

Synonyms

  • Entire
  • Complete
  • Full
  • Total
  • Unified
  • Intact
  • Comprehensive
  • Undivided

Antonyms

  • Partial
  • Incomplete
  • Fragmented
  • Divided
  • Separated
  • Part
  • Fractional
  • Disjointed

Related

  • Wholeness
  • Unity
  • Entirety
  • Wholehearted
  • Complete
  • Integrated
  • Totality
  • Holistic

🌐 🇬🇧 WHOLE in other languages

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