Words / C1

h-uh-LIST-ik/həˈlɪstɪk/

Holistic means dealing with the whole person or system, not one fragment: holistic care, a holistic review. Whole is everyday; comprehensive is a cousin; piecemeal sits opposite. Skipping the fire door is not a whole-system review.

Meaning

Dealing with the whole system, not only one part in isolation.

Examples

• “A holistic review that skips the fire door is not holistic.”
• “Whole is everyday. Comprehensive is a close twin. Joined-up is UK policy-speak. A chapter on wellbeing is a part. An exit is a statutory part. Include the door, or drop the adjective.”

Good to know

Of the whole, not one fragment. Everyday: whole. Close: comprehensive. Opposite: piecemeal. Skipping a fire door voids the adjective.

Near in meaning

comprehensive

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