Holistic Definition, Usage & Real-Life Examples

Meaning 1：whole-system consideration (holistic)

holistic 🔊

/hoʊˈlɪstɪk/

adj.

It means considering or dealing with the whole of something, not just its separate parts.

Holistic approach illustration: wellness practitioner explaining integrated care covering diet, exercise, rest, and mental health.

whole-system consideration 🔊

➕

/ˈhoʊl ˈsɪstəm kənˌsɪdəˈreɪʃən/

adj.

Describes an approach that treats something as an integrated whole, focusing on interconnections rather than isolated parts.

📁 Category：Physical & Mental Health 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'holos' (whole) + -istic suffix.

💡 Mnemonic

Link 'holistic' to 'whole' for the idea of completeness.

📖 Example

My new therapist has a holistic view of wellbeing; she asks about my work, relationships, and hobbies, not just my anxiety. 🔊 My new therapist has a holistic view of wellbeing; she asks about my work, relationships, and hobbies, not just my anxiety.

🔗 Collocations

holistic approach – an integrated method considering all factors

holistic view – a perspective that encompasses the whole

holistic therapy – treatment addressing mental, physical, and social aspects

🔄 Synonyms

comprehensive (adj.) – including all elements or aspects

integrated (adj.) – combined into a unified whole

whole-system (adj.) – pertaining to the entire system

🚫 Antonyms

reductionist (adj.) – reducing complex phenomena to simpler parts

partial (adj.) – not complete or whole

fragmented (adj.) – broken into separate pieces

🌱 Derivatives

holism (n.) – the theory that parts of a whole are interconnected

holistically (adv.) – in a holistic manner

📖 Cultural Story

Coined by Jan Smuts in 1926 from Greek 'holos' meaning whole. Popularized in holistic medicine, emphasizing treatment of the whole person.