# holistic

/hoʊˈɫɪstɪk/ (US) · /həlˈɪstɪk/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/holistic
Updated: 2026-05-06

## Definition

dealing with something as a whole rather than just looking at its small parts. For example, a holistic doctor looks at your mind, diet, and lifestyle, not just your physical symptoms.

For teachers: characterised by the belief that the parts of something are intimately interconnected and explicable only by reference to the whole. Often describes approaches in medicine, education, or business that consider the entire system rather than isolated components.

## Examples

- The school takes a holistic approach to student well-being.
- A holistic review of the company's performance considers employee satisfaction and environmental impact alongside quarterly profits.
- The therapist advocated for a holistic treatment plan that integrated nutritional counseling and mindfulness practices with traditional pharmacological interventions to address the patient's chronic anxiety.

## Usage notes

- Commonly modifies nouns like 'approach', 'view', 'perspective', or 'medicine'.

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