on the whole
[adverb]
Synonyms: altogether, all in all, by and large, en masse, generally

[TahlilGaran] English Synonym Dictionary ▲

on the whole
generally:
We have our bad times but on the whole we're fairly happy.

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

on the whole
in important ways.
On the whole, I think my dinner party was a success.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

on the whole
in general
On the whole I think that it is a good idea but I would like to study it further.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

on the whole
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 ALL², 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.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲