IELTS Speaking · Vocabulary
holistic
adjective/həˈlɪstɪk/Band 8
Last updated 21 July 2026
In short
“holistic” is a Band 8 adjective that means dealing with the whole of something rather than its individual parts. Below you'll find its pronunciation, natural example sentences, synonyms and antonyms, and the collocations that help you use it accurately in the IELTS Speaking test.
Meaning
Dealing with the whole of something rather than its individual parts.
Example sentences
Natural, spoken examples at the level an examiner rewards.
- “The school takes a holistic approach to a child's development.”
- “Good healthcare should be holistic, not just treat symptoms.”
Synonyms & antonyms
Synonyms
comprehensiveall-roundintegrated
Antonyms
narrowfragmented
Collocations & common phrases
Word partners that make your usage sound natural — the difference between knowing a word and using it well.
Collocations
holistic approachholistic educationholistic development
Common phrases
look at the bigger picture
Related words
Explore more vocabulary
Frequently asked questions
What does “holistic” mean?
Dealing with the whole of something rather than its individual parts.
How do you use “holistic” in a sentence?
For example: “The school takes a holistic approach to a child's development.”
What are some synonyms for “holistic”?
Synonyms include comprehensive, all-round, integrated.
Is “holistic” good vocabulary for IELTS Speaking?
Yes. It is Band 8 vocabulary, and collocations such as holistic approach, holistic education, holistic development help you use it naturally. Reaching for precise, less common words like this is exactly what lifts your Lexical Resource score.
Next step
Use “holistic” in a real mock exam
Practise your vocabulary out loud with SpeakMetry's AI examiner and get an instant band score with feedback on your Lexical Resource.
Start a free mock exam