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Showing results for wholehearted. Search instead for whole-hearted.
Synonyms

wholehearted

American  
[hohl-hahr-tid] / ˈhoʊlˈhɑr tɪd /

adjective

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

    a wholehearted attempt to comply.


wholehearted British  
/ ˌhəʊlˈhɑːtɪd /

adjective

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

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

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.

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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 extend my wholehearted support to the cast, crew, and my replacement. I wish you all tremendous success during your run. I have complete confidence that each of you will be phenomenal.”

From Los Angeles Times Aug. 4, 2026

Outgoing UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Wednesday pledged his "wholehearted support" to his successor as he prepares to hand over to premier-in-waiting Andy Burnham.

From Barron's Jul. 15, 2026

Alongside the curiosity and wholehearted appreciation, these fans see another benefit of focusing on the algae: It leads to the truth.

From Slate Jun. 27, 2026

“In this, as I have said before, they have our full and wholehearted support and cooperation. Let me state clearly: the law must take its course.”

From Salon Feb. 20, 2026

She wore delicate “love beads” around her neck and was in wholehearted agreement with the protestors who wanted America out of Vietnam.

From "Boots on the Ground: America's War in Vietnam" by Elizabeth Partridge

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