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holistically

American  
[hoh-lis-tik-lee] / hoʊˈlɪs tɪk li /

adverb

  1. involving or emphasizing the whole, as with a theory or practice.

    Please note that test scores are just one element of your application, and the program views each student holistically in making a determination of admission.

  2. Medicine/Medical. following a therapeutic system that considers the individual as a whole, especially one that integrates physical and mental health and sometimes also social well-being.

    In this practice, we try to tailor foods, diets, and treatments to prevent disease and improve health holistically.


Etymology

Origin of holistically

hol(ism) ( def. ) + -istic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

I’d been hearing a lot about Ayurvedic herbalism, which has been used in India for thousands of years to help people cope with the heat, among other conditions, naturally and holistically.

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 11, 2026

"It is time to view dietary interventions holistically because food components interact and physiology is integrative across systems" said Naomi Fukagawa, M.D.

From Science Daily Jul. 31, 2026

“We evaluate our students less holistically than our American counterparts,” said Sarah Smith, a U.S. regional manager for admissions.

From The Wall Street Journal Mar. 16, 2026

“When viewed holistically, these trends highlight a retirement system that is stronger and more resilient than ever,” he said.

From MarketWatch Mar. 12, 2026

If we were serious about bringing in minority lawyers, I asserted, we’d have to look more holistically at candidates.

From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama

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