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Definition of holistic

holistic

/hoʊˈlɪs.tɪk/
ho · lis · tic
Adverb:holistically
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holistic Lexical Profile

holistic Game Scores & Validity

• adjective

1

Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.

Example

"The committee adopted a holistic approach to urban planning, considering housing, transit, and green spaces together."

2

Relating to or concerned with the treatment of the whole person, taking into account mental and social factors rather than just the physical symptoms of a disease.

Example

"Many patients seek holistic medicine that combines conventional treatments with nutrition and stress management."

Synonyms
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Antonyms
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Word Nuance & Usage

Sometimes spelled 'wholistic' due to its association with the English word 'whole', though 'holistic' is the standard etymological spelling.

• Rhymes for holistic

• Nearby Words

holidaymaker
holiness
holism
holistic
holistically
holland
hollandaise

Word Origin & Etymology

Coined in 1926 by South African statesman and philosopher Jan Smuts in his book 'Holism and Evolution', derived from the Ancient Greek 'holos', meaning 'whole' or 'entire'.

Cite this Entry

Wordmom. (2026). Definition of Holistic. In Wordmom Dictionary. Retrieved Nov 5, 2026, from https://wordmom.com/dictionary/holistic
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