holism
holism — noun
1. the idea that a whole thing or system must be understood as a complete unit, bec
the idea that a whole thing or system must be understood as a complete unit, because its parts cannot fully explain it by themselves.
The course introduced holism as a way to study a whole forest.
holism as a way to study a whole system
In biology, holism can help students see how organs, cells, and environment work together.
holism in biology
The research team used holism to explain changes after the new railway opened.
A belief in holism led the designer to test the whole transport network.
Critics said the model lacked holism because it treated workers and machines separately.
- systems thinking
more practical and modern; often used in business, design, and environmental studies
- whole-system approach
clearer in everyday English, but less technical
- reductionism
the approach of explaining something mainly by breaking it into smaller parts
文法句型
the idea of holism
holism in [field]
a belief in holism
用法筆記
This sense is abstract and academic. It is used when the important point is the relationship between parts inside a complete system.
常見錯誤
2. an approach to treatment that considers a person's body, mind, habits, and daily
an approach to treatment that considers a person's body, mind, habits, and daily routines, rather than only the illness or symptom.
The clinic's holism meant that patients were asked about sleep, stress, food, and family support.
clinic's holism
Medical holism asks doctors to see the patient as a whole person.
medical holism
The nurse used holism when planning care for pain, anxiety, and daily routine.
For chronic illness, holism may include exercise advice, emotional support, and medicine.
The hospital trained new staff in holism, not just lab results.
- holistic care
the more common phrase in medical and wellness contexts
- whole-person care
plain English term for the same treatment principle
文法句型
holism in medicine
medical holism
a principle of holism
用法筆記
In medical contexts, holism is about treating the whole person. It does not mean avoiding scientific medicine.