wholesome

USAGE SUMMARY

'wholesome' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective that means characterized by moral soundness, goodness, and lacking in negative aspects or influences. For example: "Eating wholesome, home cooked meals is one of the best ways to live a healthy lifestyle."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Atkins diet and a fashion for gluten allergies have made wheat seem less wholesome.

The Economist

Chinese-listed firms have also benefited from a surging stockmarket and are flush with credit.In this section Kicking ass in an unflat world Face off Clean, wholesome and American?

The Economist

The winner was "The Last Tycoons", by William D. Cohan.In this section Kicking ass in an unflat world Face off Clean, wholesome and American?

The Economist

Official estimates put inflation at 9-10%, due in large part to a lack of housing and high demand for property, but most analysts agree that the true figure is higher.In this section Kicking ass in an unflat world Face off Clean, wholesome and American?

The Economist

Thank goodness for the wholesome pleasures of Two Door Cinema Club's Changing of the Seasons at No 71.

The Guardian

It seems so completely unlikely that this ridiculously wholesome woman would prove essential to my festive cheer and yet, whether it was Mary Poppins or Maria, my sisters and I spent our childhood Christmases watching her gather up various naughty children, and boss and cajole them into behaving properly.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Like going to the Cotswolds for the weekend or helping organise a party for your dad's 70th, eating pancakes is a nice, wholesome thing to do.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Buy sensible, by which Sands means look out for supermarket special offers and food nearing its sell by date and in season vegetables that can be turned into wholesome soups.

The Guardian

Demirtas has sought to project a wholesome family image, frequently appearing in public with his wife Basak, a teacher, and their two daughters.

The Guardian

Stay here and you'll be treated to a wholesome and tasty vegetarian breakfast and, if you're interested, tips on local craft markets, festivals and yoga classes.

The Guardian - Travel

He is bursting with ideas and one of the most wholesome MPs I know.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "wholesome" to suggest it is healthy and made with natural ingredients.

Common error

Avoid using "wholesome" excessively in academic or professional writing. Opt for more precise synonyms like "beneficial" or "healthful" to maintain a formal tone.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "wholesome" primarily functions to describe nouns, indicating that they possess qualities that promote physical, moral, or mental well-being. It adds a layer of positive connotation, suggesting something is not only good but also beneficial in a holistic sense. Ludwig AI confirms this through various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Formal & Business

24%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the term "wholesome" is an adjective used to describe something beneficial for physical, moral, or mental well-being. As Ludwig AI highlights, it is grammatically correct and commonly found in various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Formal & Business settings. While versatile, it's essential to consider the tone and choose appropriate synonyms like "healthy" or "beneficial" in formal writing. Avoid overuse and focus on clarity to effectively convey the intended meaning. The high frequency and positive connotations make "wholesome" a valuable term in everyday language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

healthful and virtuous

Combines the ideas of health and virtue, emphasizing both aspects of "wholesome".

promoting well-being

Shifts the focus to the action of promoting well-being rather than describing a state of being.

virtuous and beneficial

Emphasizes the blend of moral goodness and positive effects.

morally sound

Focuses specifically on the moral aspect, omitting the health or general well-being connotations.

nourishing and beneficial

Focuses on the positive impacts of something, particularly for food or activities.

pure and good

Emphasizes the lack of negative qualities, highlighting positive attributes.

conducive to good health

Specifically emphasizes the aspect of health and physical well-being.

morally uplifting

Highlights the positive impact on one's moral state.

good for the soul

Highlights the positive impact on one's mental and emotional state.

ethically commendable

Highlights the ethical aspect, suitable for describing actions or behaviors.

FAQs

How can I use "wholesome" in a sentence?

"Wholesome" is typically used to describe something that promotes physical, moral, or mental well-being. For example, "Eating "wholesome food" is important for a healthy lifestyle" or "They engaged in "wholesome activities" during their vacation".

What are some synonyms for "wholesome"?

Alternatives to "wholesome" include "healthy", "healthful", "virtuous", "beneficial", and "salubrious". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "wholesome" to describe a person?

Yes, "wholesome" can describe a person, suggesting they have good morals and a positive attitude. For example, "She is a "wholesome person" who always tries to do the right thing."

What is the difference between "wholesome" and "healthy"?

"Healthy" primarily relates to physical health, while "wholesome" encompasses physical, moral, and mental well-being. Something "wholesome food" is both healthy and morally good, while "healthy food" might just be good for your body.