wholehearted
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈəʊlhɑːtɪd/
US
- /ˈhoʊlˌhɑrtɪd/
Description
- Sincere
- Full of feeling
- Fully committed
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.
The word "wholehearted" describes complete sincerity, enthusiasm, and commitment. When someone does something in a wholehearted way, they are fully behind it in their feelings, intentions, and actions. It is the opposite of being uncertain, unwilling, or only partly involved.
Imagine a friend offering help during a difficult time. A half-hearted offer may sound like duty, but a wholehearted one feels real, warm, and freely given. It is the difference between going through the motions and truly showing up for someone.
"Wholehearted" is often used for support, agreement, effort, feelings, and personal involvement. Someone may give wholehearted support to a friend, make a wholehearted effort to improve, or offer a wholehearted apology after making a mistake. It can also describe strong approval or belief, as in a wholehearted endorsement or a wholehearted belief in a cause.
The word can describe a person's general way of acting too. A wholehearted person is open, earnest, and willing to give their full energy rather than hold something back. In that sense, the word often carries a warm and positive feeling. It suggests honesty, emotional fullness, and a readiness to commit completely.
So, when something is done or felt "wholeheartedly," the idea is not just that it happens, but that it comes from the whole person. The action, feeling, or support is real, complete, and without reservation.
Examples
- 1
School support
The proposal has the wholehearted support of the school staff.
- 2
Job adjustment
She made a wholehearted effort to fit in at her new job.
- 3
Personal commitment
If you're going to train for a marathon, you need to be wholehearted about it.
Pattern
be wholehearted about + goal/activity
be fully committed to it
- 4
Apology tone
His apology sounded polite, but it didn't feel wholehearted.
- 5
Community response
The town gave a wholehearted response to the appeal for flood victims.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- wholeheartedadjective