2whole noun
plural wholes [count] : something that is full or complete — usually singular ▪ The whole of my day was spent on the phone. [=I spent the entire day on the phone] ▪ the whole of creation [=all of creation] ▪ He felt he was part of a greater whole. [=that he was a part of something much larger and greater than himself]
as a whole
: as a complete unit — used to make a statement that relates to all the parts of something ▪ Language as a whole is constantly evolving. ▪ The lecture was intended for the group as a whole. [=for everyone; not for just a few people] ▪ The company as a whole [=overall] is doing well.
in whole
law : to the full or entire extent — used in the phrase in whole or in part ▪ The contract can be voided in whole or in part [=the entire contract can be voided or a part of the contract can be voided] ten days before the purchase date.
on the whole 1 — used to say what you think is true, what should be done, etc., when you consider a situation in a general way ▪ On the whole, it seemed best to cut the visit short. ▪ On the whole, I think we've made progress from last week. 2 : in general : in most cases
▪ On the whole, new parents reported that they were adapting very well to parenthood. ▪ He did a great job on the whole.
▪ On the whole, new parents reported that they were adapting very well to parenthood. ▪ He did a great job on the whole.
