adjective Uncommon

holistic

huh-LIHS-tihk

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Holistic (adjective) means considering something as a complete, interconnected whole rather than breaking it into separate parts. Example: “The clinic takes a holistic approach, treating diet, sleep, and stress together.”

adjective

Considering something as a complete, interconnected whole rather than breaking it into separate parts.

"The clinic takes a holistic approach, treating diet, sleep, and stress together."

"A holistic view of the economy looks at more than just one industry."

How to use holistic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishLooking at the whole picture rather than just one piece of it.

Common mistake

Often used loosely in wellness marketing to mean "natural" or "alternative," which isn't quite its original, more general meaning of "whole-picture thinking."

Common pairings

holistic approach holistic view holistic medicine

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Comparative: more holistic
Superlative: most holistic

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The clinic takes a _____ approach, treating diet, sleep, and stress together.

Etymology

Formed from "hol-" (whole) plus the adjective suffix "-istic," related to "holism."

Antonyms

atomistic

Rhymes for holistic

sadistic artistic autistic logistic heuristic statistic realistic ballistic hedonistic linguistic futuristic optimistic

See all rhymes for holistic →

Frequently asked questions

What does “holistic” mean?

The word “holistic” means considering something as a complete, interconnected whole rather than breaking it into separate parts. In plain terms, looking at the whole picture rather than just one piece of it.

How do you pronounce “holistic”?

“Holistic” is pronounced huh-LIHS-tihk (/hoʊˈlɪs.tɪk/ in IPA).

How do you use “holistic” in a sentence?

Here is “holistic” used in a sentence: “The clinic takes a holistic approach, treating diet, sleep, and stress together.”

What part of speech is “holistic”?

“Holistic” is an adjective.

Is “holistic” a common word?

“Holistic” is an uncommon word in modern English.

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