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adj. 1. a. Containing all components; complete: the whole series of novels. b. Not divided or disjoined; in one unit: a whole loaf. c. Constituting the full amount, extent, or duration: The baby cried the whole trip home. 2. a. Not wounded, injured, or impaired; sound or unhurt: Many escaped the fire frightened but whole. b. Having been restored; healed: After the treatment he felt whole. 3. Having the same parents: a whole sister. n. 1. A number, group, set, or thing lacking no part or element; a complete thing. 2. An entity or system made up of interrelated parts: The value of the whole was greater than the sum of its parts. adv. Idioms: Informal Entirely; wholly: a whole new idea. as a whole All parts or aspects considered; altogether: disliked the acting but enjoyed the play as a whole. on the whole 1. Considering everything: on the whole, a happy marriage. 2. In most instances or cases; as a rule: can expect sunny weather, on the whole. [Middle English hole, unharmed, from Old English hāl; see kailo- in the Appendix of Indo-European roots.] wholeness n. Synonyms: whole, all, entire, gross, total These adjectives mean including every constituent or individual: a whole town devastated by an earthquake; all the class going on a field trip; entire shipments lost by the distributor; gross income; the total cost of the project. Antonym: partial |
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