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wholehearted

C2
Uncommon

Pronunciation

UK

  • /hˈəʊlhɑːtɪd/

US

  • /ˈhoʊlˌhɑrtɪd/

Meanings

Adjective

  1. showing complete sincerity, enthusiasm, or commitment

Beyond the definition

To be wholehearted means to do, feel, or support something with complete sincerity, enthusiasm, and commitment. It is more than simply taking part; it means giving your full heart to it. Think of a child handing a parent a simple but deeply sincere drawing, or a musician putting real feeling into a performance. A wholehearted apology is not just the words "I'm sorry." It comes with real regret and a wish to do better. The word often suggests that there is no doubt, no holding back, and no hidden motive.

Examples

  1. 1

    School support

    The proposal has the wholehearted support of the school staff.

  2. 2

    Job adjustment

    She made a wholehearted effort to fit in at her new job.

  3. 3

    Personal commitment

    If you're going to train for a marathon, you need to be wholehearted about it.

    • Patternbe wholehearted about + goal/activity

      be fully committed to it

  4. 4

    Apology tone

    His apology sounded polite, but it didn't feel wholehearted.

More examples
  1. 5

    Community response

    The town gave a wholehearted response to the appeal for flood victims.

See also

Similar

Shades of meaning

Contrast

Do not confuse

  • whole hearted

Used with (collocations)

  • wholehearted support
  • wholehearted approval
  • wholehearted commitment

Word family

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Forms and spellings

1 form open this card.

Main spelling

  • wholeheartedadjective