holistic
hoh-LIS-tik
/hoʊˈlɪstɪk/
Characterized by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole.
In nutrition, it means looking at lifestyle, mental health, and diet together rather than just counting calories.
The story behind the word. Coined in 1926 by Jan Smuts, a South African statesman, from the Greek 'holos'. He wanted a word to describe the tendency in nature to form wholes that are greater than the sum of their parts.
Word relationships
- comprehensive: Focuses on including everything, whereas holistic focuses on the connections between those things.
- integrated: Focuses on the blending of different parts.
- atomistic: Breaking things down into small, independent parts.
- fragmented: Existing in separate, unconnected pieces.
Commonly confused with
- wholistic: An alternative spelling, though 'holistic' is the standard academic form.
Word family
- holism (noun): The theory that parts of a whole are in intimate interconnection.
Collocations
- holistic approach
- holistic medicine
- holistic view
Example sentences
- "A holistic approach to health considers the whole person, including physical, mental, and social factors." An article on modern medical philosophy. (Journal of General Internal Medicine)
- "The spa offers a holistic regimen that combines yoga, organic dining, and meditation." Describing a new wellness program.
Memory hook
Holistic starts with 'H-O-L', just like the 'WHOLE' thing. Holistic looks at the 'whole' picture.
When not to use
Be careful in strictly clinical settings, as it can sometimes be associated with 'alternative' medicine that lacks evidence.
Fun facts
- The word was originally spelled 'wholistic' by some to emphasize the link to 'whole', but the 'h' version won out.
Explore more words
integrated, systemic, interconnectedness, interdependent, complementary, symbiotic
Also appears in
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