as a whole
1. In general
2. Taken as a complete group, etc rather than as individuals
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Main Entry: ↑whole
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as a whole phrase
considering all the parts of something as one unit
His views are not popular with the townspeople as a whole.
Thesaurus: ways of describing something in a general waysynonym
Main entry: whole
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as a single unit and not as separate parts; in general
a healthy economy is in the best interests of society as a whole
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as a whole
: as a complete unit
— used to make a statement that relates to all the parts of something
Language as a whole is constantly evolving.
The lecture was intended for the group as a whole. [=for everyone; not for just a few people]
The company as a whole [=overall] is doing well.
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Main Entry: ↑whole
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as a ˈwhole idiom
as one thing or piece and not as separate parts
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The festival will be great for our city and for the country as a whole.
Useful english dictionary. 2012.