What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
holistically
Example
The doctor treated the patient holistically, taking into account their physical, emotional, and social well-being. [holistically: adverb]
Example
The company's new policy aims to address environmental concerns holistically, by considering the impact on all stakeholders. [holistically: adverb]
wholly
Example
I am wholly committed to this project and will do everything I can to make it a success. [wholly: adverb]
Example
The statement is wholly inaccurate and does not reflect the true situation. [wholly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wholly is more commonly used than holistically in everyday language. Wholly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while holistically is less common and tends to be used in specific fields such as medicine or psychology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between holistically and wholly?
Both holistically and wholly are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional contexts. However, holistically may be considered more technical or specialized than wholly, which has a broader range of applications.