What does wholehearted mean?
Wholehearted is an adjective meaning sincere, devoted, and fully committed to something. It is often used for support, approval, encouragement, and effort, as in “wholehearted support” or “a wholehearted effort.” Unlike a neutral expression of general approval, the word suggests that the person’s feelings or efforts are complete and unreserved. It may also imply strong enthusiasm or devotion, although it is not limited to emotional or romantic contexts. Wholehearted is more emphatic and somewhat more formal than words such as “sincere” or “genuine,” and it is usually positive, though it can occasionally describe intense or unqualified commitment in a neutral or critical way. The adverb “wholeheartedly” is also common, especially in the phrase “wholeheartedly agree.” The word belongs to a family of expressions built around “heart,” including “heartfelt,” “hearty,” and “heartless,” reflecting its long-standing association with inner feeling and emotional commitment.
adjectiveShowing complete sincerity, enthusiasm, or commitment to a person, cause, or activity. It describes an attitude that is earnest and unreserved rather than partial or merely polite.
- Entirely sincere, devoted, and committed in feeling or intention.
"The volunteers offered wholehearted support to the families affected by the disaster."
"Her wholehearted encouragement gave the young performer the confidence to continue."
"The proposal was met with wholehearted approval by the committee."
With a whole heart behind it, an action leaves no room for half-measures: wholehearted is sincerity made emphatic.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of wholehearted
The English compound wholehearted developed in the early 19th century from whole, heart, and the adjectival suffix -ed. The suffix here indicates a state or quality, so the word literally conveys being “with a whole heart.” Its vocabulary relatives include heartfelt, hearty, hearten, and heartless, all of which share the same Old English-derived root heart. The component heart comes from Old English heorte, while wholehearted itself is an English formation that became established as a term for complete sincerity and devotion.
Related word forms
How wholehearted is actually used
This word is formal to mildly literary and is stronger than simply saying 'sincere' or 'supportive'. It is especially common in expressions involving support, approval, commitment, and effort.
Easily confused with wholehearted
Wholehearted means fully sincere and committed, whereas halfhearted means lacking enthusiasm or commitment.