Back to Report
whole · adjective /hoʊl/Full view
Nouns: whole
Adjectives: whole, wholesome, unwholesome
Adverbs: wholly
whole
A2 always before noun complete, including every part
Dictionary examples:

I spent the whole day cleaning.

There's still a whole month till my birthday.

After my exercise class, my whole body ached.

The whole town was destroyed by the earthquake.

This whole thing is ridiculous.

Bill does nothing but complain the whole time .

Learner example:

Did you know that almost the whole class came to my party. (Key English Test; A2; Thai)

whole · noun /hoʊl/
Nouns: whole
Adjectives: whole, wholesome, unwholesome
Adverbs: wholly
on the whole
B1 generally
Dictionary example:

We've had a few problems, but on the whole we're very happy.

Learner example:

On the whole I don't like watching television. (Preliminary English Test; B1; Spanish)

as a whole
B2 when considered as a group and not in parts
Dictionary example:

The population as a whole is getting healthier.

Learner example:

To sum up, I can say that the greatest ever invention is the invention of computers, that has affected both indivi[d]uals and society as a whole. (First Certificate in English; B2; Japanese)

whole · adverb /hoʊl/
whole
C2 as a single object and not in pieces
Dictionary example:

The baby bird swallowed the worm whole.

Cambridge logo