wholehearted
Americanadjective
adjective
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of wholehearted
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
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
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
“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
The midfielder is a fans' favourite at Pittodrie because of his warm personality, wholehearted displays and ability as a rounded midfielder.
From BBC • Aug. 21, 2025
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
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
