whole - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
whole Word Meanings
- entire or complete
- not divided or broken
- undamaged and in one piece
whole Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
whole Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/həʊl/
US
/hoʊl/
whole Word Etymology
whole = 'hale' (healthy, uninjured) + -whole (akin to). Originated from Old English 'hal', related to the Germanic root. Imagine a circle, perfectly complete and unbroken, representing the concept of wholeness.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I grip the edge of a cup, lift it, and move it along the counter until it sits in a straight line. I adjust my stance, keep my eyes on the edge, and make sure nothing slips so the cup stays whole in my hands. The effort feels steady and calm, and the result whispers that it is complete—untouched, one piece, set down with care.
Real Context
Whole is an adjective meaning the entire or complete amount, with nothing left out. It describes objects that are not divided or broken, and it is often used with nouns to emphasize unity and integrity, as in the whole cake or the whole family. It can also mean undamaged or in one piece, as in the ship survived whole after the storm. The word is often contrasted with partial, part, or some of. Learners should be aware of the homophone hole, which signals a hollow rather than completeness; context determines the correct spelling and meaning.
Usage Reminders
- Use whole with singular nouns to emphasize the entire item.
- The phrase the whole can stress completeness, not just a portion.
- Be careful not to confuse with hole, which means a hollow.
- Some fixed phrases: the whole family, the whole cake, the whole story.
- Choose alternative words like entire or complete in formal writing.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing whole with hole because they sound similar.
- Thinking 'the whole' always requires a singular noun.
- Using 'whole' when 'entire' or 'complete' is a better formal choice.
- Saying 'the whole of' in places where 'the whole' alone suffices.
- Mistaking 'whole' for a countable plural by saying 'the wholes'.
Thinking Differences
Whole foregrounds completeness in English; learners must decide between whole, entire, and total based on formality and emphasis. Common mistakes: thinking 'the whole' always pairs with a singular noun, confusing with 'hole', or overusing 'the whole of' where 'the whole' suffices.
Learning Tips
- Make a quick list of common collocations like whole cake, whole family, whole story.
- Practice with pairings: whole vs entire in formal vs casual contexts.
- Listen for the emphasis: whole = complete quantity; entire = totality in a broader sense.
- Mind the homophone: hole is a hollow, not complete.
- Use a checklist: if you can replace 'the whole' with 'all' without sounding odd, try it.
- Create flashcards for fixed phrases and collocations.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'whole' used correctly?
A.He only ate the whole pizza.
B.She only took a whole day off work.
C.I only read the whole book.
D.They only went on a whole vacation.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'whole'?
A.Empty
B.Entire
C.Half
D.Different
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'whole'?
A.Shared
B.Perfect
C.Finished
D.Incomplete
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life context where 'whole' would be used?
A.Forgetting a phone number
B.Completing a puzzle
C.Losing a race
D.Breaking a mirror
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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