The word "wholesome" is spelled /ˈhoʊlsəm/ in IPA phonetic transcription. This word consists of two syllables: "whole" and "some." The first syllable "whole" is pronounced /hoʊl/ and the second syllable "some" is pronounced /səm/. The spelling of this word accurately reflects its pronunciation, with the "h" at the beginning of the first syllable being silent. "Wholesome" is an adjective that describes something as being healthy, pure, and beneficial for one's overall well-being.
Wholesome: (adjective) Referring to something that is conducive to the overall health, well-being, and moral development of an individual or group.
Wholesome refers to elements, actions, or experiences that promote physical, mental, and ethical soundness. It denotes a positive quality that contributes positively to one's life, relationships, and community. Something that is wholesome is beneficial, energizing, and nourishing for the body, mind, and soul.
In regard to food, wholesome refers to natural, unprocessed, and nourishing ingredients that are beneficial for optimal health and nutrition. Wholesome food choices include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins, avoiding excessive artificial additives and preservatives.
In terms of relationships, a wholesome interaction implies positive, respectful, and supportive connections that foster emotional well-being. It involves genuine care, empathy, and a mutual willingness to grow and thrive together.
Wholesome activities encompass hobbies, pastimes, or recreational pursuits that enhance mental, physical, and emotional capabilities. These activities could involve reading, exercising, engaging in arts, volunteering, or spending quality time with loved ones.
Furthermore, wholesome behavior includes adopting and promoting ethical and moral values such as honesty, integrity, compassion, and respect for others. It embraces fairness, empathy, and the well-being of individuals and the community as a whole.
Overall, the term wholesome describes a state of being or a characteristic that contributes positively to various aspects of life, encouraging and nurturing the physical, mental, and moral well-being of individuals and society.
Favouring health; salubrious; useful; salutary; that utters sound words.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "wholesome" dates back to Old English and has its roots in the combination of two Old English words: "hal", meaning "sound, healthy", and "sām", meaning "agreement, same". Together, they formed the word "hālsum", which meant "favorable to health, sound, or healthy". Over time, "hālsum" evolved into the Middle English word "holsom", maintaining a similar meaning. Eventually, "holsom" transformed into "wholesome", which is the term commonly used today. The word "wholesome" suggests something that is conducive to health, well-being, and being sound or sound-minded.