Dictionary
Words, grammatical forms and meanings linked to the ontology.
upon the whole en · ADV
Meanings
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(alt-of, dated, not-comparable) Dated form of on the whole.
With respect to my health, I may say that upon the whole it has been pretty good.
a. 1776, Joseph Baretti, “Dialogue the Fortieth”, in Easy Phraseology for the Use of Those Persons Who Intend to Learn the Colloquial Part of the Italian Language, 1835 edition, Turin: Joseph Bocca, page 222:[…] but, upon the whole, it is my opinion, that the sands will continue to increase, […]
c. 1800, Joseph Huddart, Captain Huddart's Report, page 2:My son writes me word that Mr. Vesey's family are angry with me for inserting some lines in the Legion Club touching him. Upon my soul, I never inserted one line in it; and upon the whole, I care not whether they believe me or not.
1736 June 3, Thomas Sheridan, letter to Jonathan Swift: