holistic
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.”
How to use holistic
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishLooking at the whole picture rather than just one piece of it.
Often used loosely in wellness marketing to mean "natural" or "alternative," which isn't quite its original, more general meaning of "whole-picture thinking."
Word forms
more holistic comparative, most holistic superlative
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."
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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include holistic: