WHOLESCALE Meaning and
Definition
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Wholesale is an adjective used to describe a system or approach that involves the entire range or extent of something, without excluding or emphasizing specific elements. It refers to the broad, comprehensive, or complete nature of an action, process, or concept. When applied to business, wholesale often pertains to the distribution of goods in large quantities, typically for resale purposes.
The term wholesale can also be used adverbially to describe an activity carried out on a large or extensive scale, involving numerous individuals or a substantial number of entities. When something is done wholescale, it implies that it is done comprehensively, extensively, or on a grand scale.
In a broader sense, wholescale can also suggest a sweeping change or transformation that affects an entire system, industry, or society as a whole. It denotes a change that is not limited to specific individuals or small segments, but rather embodies a complete overhaul or remodel of the existing structure.
In summary, wholescale describes a comprehensive, extensive, or all-encompassing approach, action, or distribution of goods. It implies the involvement of the entirety or a large portion of something, whether it is a system, process, faction, or transformation.
Etymology of WHOLESCALE
The word wholesale originated in the late 15th century, derived from the Middle English words hol meaning whole and sail meaning quantity or sale. In this context, hol referred to something considered as a whole or in its entirety. Therefore, wholesale originally referred to the sale of goods in large quantities, as opposed to retail sales.
The term wholescale is a combination of wholesale and the suffix -scale that means large-scale or comprehensive. So the etymology of wholescale can be understood as a combination of the ideas of large quantities (wholesale) and comprehensive or encompassing (scale). However, it's worth mentioning that wholescale is not as commonly used as wholesale.
