wholehearted

American  

[hohl-hahr-tid] / ˈhoʊlˈhɑr tɪd /

adjective

1. fully or completely sincere, enthusiastic, energetic, etc.; hearty; earnest.

   a wholehearted attempt to comply.

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wholehearted British  

/ ˌhəʊlˈhɑːtɪd /

adjective

1. done, acted, given, etc, with total sincerity, enthusiasm, or commitment

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Other Word Forms

Derived Forms

• wholeheartedness
  noun
• wholeheartedly
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of wholehearted

An Americanism dating back to 1830–40; whole + hearted

Explanation

Something that's wholehearted is completely sincere and genuine, like your wholehearted support of a friend who's running for school president or her wholehearted commitment to running a positive campaign. The adjective wholehearted comes from the idea that you're putting your entire heart into something, with all the feeling and sincerity that implies. Your wholehearted apology for accidentally tripping someone is earnest and heartfelt, and your wholehearted attempt at winning the 50-yard dash is focused and determined. Anything that's done with that kind of commitment is wholehearted.

Example Sentences

Matthew Murphy, representing Stewart Jones, said his client had showed "genuine, wholehearted remorse" but his financial gain "pales in comparison".

From BBC • Jun. 2, 2026

King Charles III expressed his “deepest concerns” over the arrest of his younger brother, promising his family’s “full and wholehearted support and co-operation.”

From Salon • Feb. 19, 2026

“Her visits to the nursery, her thoughtful conversations, and her wholehearted engagement brought laughter and insight into every interaction.”

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 9, 2026

They’re so wholehearted, so unashamed, so brazenly anti-cool that they’re irresistible.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 24, 2025

Aside from Empire State’s giggle, which was wholehearted, it had seemed to Milkman then that the laughter was wan and nervous.

From "Song of Solomon" by Toni Morrison