Whole

Definition

Whole is an adjective, noun, and adverb that refers to something complete, unbroken, or undivided. It can describe a totality or entirety as well as refer to something in its unaltered state.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Adverb (archaic)

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /hoʊl/
• Respelling: hohl

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /həʊl/
• Respelling: hohl

Etymology

The word "whole" originates from Old English "hāl," meaning "unhurt, healthy, entire," derived from Proto-Germanic "*hailaz" and Proto-Indo-European "*kailo-," meaning "whole or uninjured." The modern spelling and pronunciation developed during Middle English.

Derivatives

• Wholeness (noun)
• Wholehearted (adjective)
• Wholly (adverb)
• Wholemeal (adjective)
• Wholeheartedly (adverb)

Synonyms

• Complete
• Entire
• Total

Antonyms

• Partial
• Fragmented
• Incomplete

Usage

As an adjective, "whole" describes something that is complete or entire. For example, "She ate the whole cake."

As a noun, "whole" refers to the entirety of something. For example, "The puzzle is greater than the sum of its whole."

As an adverb (archaic), it emphasizes completeness. For example, "He was made whole again."

Related Terms

• Entirety: The state of being whole or complete.
• Unity: The state of being undivided or whole.
• Completeness: The quality of being whole or finished.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Complete or unbroken: Refers to something in its entirety or as a single unit.
  • Example: "The whole loaf of bread was fresh."
• All of something: Describes the total quantity or extent.
  • Example: "The whole team worked on the project."

Noun

• The entirety or totality: Refers to the complete system or unit of something.
  • Example: "The whole is greater than the sum of its parts."

Adverb (archaic)

• In an unbroken or entire state: Used to emphasize completeness.
  • Example: "He returned whole from the battle."