holism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1/C2Formal, Academic, Technical
Quick answer
What does “holism” mean?
The philosophical theory that the parts of a whole are intimately interconnected and cannot be understood independently of the whole.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The philosophical theory that the parts of a whole are intimately interconnected and cannot be understood independently of the whole.
In general usage, any approach that emphasizes the importance of a whole system rather than its individual parts (e.g., in medicine, ecology, sociology).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in definition or usage. Both use the philosophical/technical term identically.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British English in the context of complementary/alternative medicine (holistic medicine).
Frequency
Low frequency in both varieties, but slightly higher in academic/medical discourse.
Grammar
How to Use “holism” in a Sentence
[Subject] advocates/embraces/rejects holism.Holism in [field] argues that...Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “holism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The theory holistically integrates diverse elements.
American English
- She holistically approaches patient care.
adverb
British English
- The problem must be viewed holistically.
American English
- The program is designed to function holistically.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in 'holistic business strategy,' focusing on the interconnectedness of departments.
Academic
Common in philosophy, biology, sociology, and medicine to describe non-reductionist theories.
Everyday
Very rare. Mostly in the context of 'holistic medicine' or 'holistic approach.'
Technical
Central term in systems theory, ecology, and certain schools of psychology and anthropology.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “holism”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “holism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “holism”
- Confusing spelling: 'wholism' is an accepted variant but less common. Mispronouncing as /ˈhɒl.ɪ.zəm/ (like 'holiday').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Holism' is the noun naming the theory or principle. 'Holistic' is the adjective describing an approach or method based on that principle.
Yes, 'wholism' is a less common but accepted variant spelling that emphasizes the 'whole' root.
Yes, though it's not the core context. Terms like 'holistic management' or 'holistic strategy' refer to considering all parts of an organization and its environment together.
Reductionism, which is the practice of analyzing and describing complex phenomena in terms of simpler or fundamental constituents.
The philosophical theory that the parts of a whole are intimately interconnected and cannot be understood independently of the whole.
Holism is usually formal, academic, technical in register.
Holism: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhəʊ.lɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhoʊ.lɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The whole is greater than the sum of its parts (encapsulates the concept).”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'WHOLE-ism' – it's about the WHOLE thing, not the parts.
Conceptual Metaphor
SYSTEM AS ORGANISM (a whole where parts function together like organs in a body).
Practice
Quiz
Which field is LEAST likely to frequently use the term 'holism' in a technical sense?