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on the whole
on the whole
generally; considering everything. On the whole, this was a very good day. Your work—on the whole—is quite good.
on the whole
in important ways On the whole, I think my dinner party was a success.
on the whole
Considering everything, as in
On the whole we enjoyed our vacation, although the hotel was not perfect by any means. [Late 1600s] Also see the synonyms
by and large;
for the most part.
on the whole
1. Considering everything: on the whole, a happy marriage.
2. In most instances or cases; as a rule: can expect sunny weather, on the whole.