adv. phr. 1. In the most important things; in most ways. On the whole, Billy did very well in school this year. Everybody agreed that on the whole it was a good show.
Synonym: IN ALL 2 , FOR THE MOST PART. 2. In most cases; usually. On the whole, men are stronger than women. On the whole, children begin walking when they are about one year old.
Synonym: BY AND LARGE, IN GENERAL.