Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Conducive to or indicative of good health and physical well-being: "wholesome" describes things that promote or are characteristic of sound physical condition.
   • Conducive to or suggestive of good mental or moral well-being: "wholesome" also describes things that promote or are characteristic of sound, positive, or morally beneficial states.

Usage

• The primary use of "wholesome" is as an adjective to describe things (e.g., food, activities, influences, appearances) that contribute to health or moral goodness.
• It often implies a natural, simple, or pure quality that is beneficial.

Examples

• Physical well-being:
  • The doctor recommended a diet of wholesome foods like fruits and vegetables.
  • They enjoyed the wholesome mountain air during their vacation.
• Mental/Moral well-being:
  • The film was a wholesome story about friendship and honesty.
  • She has a wholesome attitude towards life and its challenges.

Advanced Usage

• "Wholesome" as a characteristic: Can describe an overall impression of health and virtue.
  • The community had a wholesome and family-friendly atmosphere.
• In a broader, sometimes informal sense, it can describe content or behavior perceived as innocently good, positive, or heartwarming.
  • The internet meme about the puppy helping the kitten was so wholesome.

Variants and Related Words

• Wholesomeness (noun): The quality or state of being wholesome.
  • The wholesomeness of the home-cooked meal was appreciated by everyone.

Synonyms

• Healthful: Promoting good health.
• Nutritious: Nourishing; efficient as food.
• Salubrious: Health-giving; healthy.
• Edifying: Providing moral or intellectual instruction.

Antonyms

• Unwholesome: Not conducive to health or well-being; harmful or morally corrupting.
• Deleterious: Causing harm or damage.
• Noxious: Harmful, poisonous, or very unpleasant.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Wholesome as apple pie": An idiom (chiefly American English) used to describe something as embodying traditional, simple, and good values.
  • His image was wholesome as apple pie, which appealed to many voters.

Adjective

1. sound or exhibiting soundness in body or mind
   • exercise develops wholesome appetites
   • a grin on his ugly wholesome face
2. conducive to or characteristic of physical or moral well-being
   • wholesome attitude
   • wholesome appearance
   • wholesome food