as a whole — as a complete unit; altogether; in general
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: as a complete unit; altogether; in general
Pronunciation (IPA): /æz ə hoʊl/
Example Sentences
- The students as a whole performed better than expected on the exam.
- My diet plan failed, but as a whole, I'm healthier than last year.
- The project as a whole was successful despite some minor setbacks.
as a whole
ADVERB[/æz ə hoʊl/]
as a complete unit; altogether; in general
Looking at the puzzle as a whole, she finally saw the hidden dolphin shape.
Each personal goal forms our soul as a whole!
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The phrase 'as a whole' combines 'as' (from Old English 'alswā', meaning 'just as' or 'in the same way') with 'whole' (from Old English 'hāl', meaning 'uninjured' or 'complete'). The expression emerged in Middle English to convey the sense of something complete or undivided.
Breakdown
as (preposition/conjunction, meaning 'in the capacity of') + a (indefinite article) + whole (adjective, from Old English 'hāl' meaning 'complete/entire') = as a whole (meaning 'as a complete unit; altogether')
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The students as a whole performed better than expected on the exam.”
“My diet plan failed, but as a whole, I'm healthier than last year.”
“The project as a whole was successful despite some minor setbacks.”
“As a whole, cats are more independent than dogs, but my cat follows me everywhere like a puppy.”
📚Related Words
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