part of the whole

Meanings

1. 1phrasefixed phrase

   A piece or element that belongs to a larger complete thing.

   Grammar: Used as a noun phrase, often after 'is' or 'are': Each chapter is part of the whole.

   Patterns

   • be part of the whole
   • see something as part of the whole
   • only part of the whole

   Each chapter is part of the whole, so you cannot skip one.

   The small details are part of the whole design.

   We need to look at every part of the whole before deciding.

2. 2phrasefixed phrasetechnical

   In logic or philosophy, a portion that is contained within a larger system or set.

   Grammar: Often used in abstract discussions: The individual is part of the whole society.

   Patterns

   • the individual as part of the whole
   • a part of the whole system

   In this theory, each person is part of the whole community.

   The study treats the family as part of the whole social structure.

Common combinations

an integral part of the whole

Trust is an integral part of the whole relationship.

only part of the whole

That explanation is only part of the whole story.

a small part of the whole

The budget for this project is a small part of the whole.

Synonyms and how they differ

component

A component is a clearly separate piece of a machine or system; 'part of the whole' is a more general phrase.

element

An element is one basic part of something abstract; it often suggests a necessary ingredient.

Opposites

Word family

whole noun

The complete thing made up of all its parts.

part noun

A piece or section of something larger.

Commonly confused: part of the whole or partly?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “part of the whole”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

Explore more words