Kokonaisvaltaisessa

Kokonaisvaltaisessa is the inessive singular form of the Finnish adjective kokonaisvaltainen, which translates roughly as “holistic” or “comprehensive” in English. The word is used to describe approaches, analyses, or viewpoints that consider all parts of a system rather than focusing on isolated elements. For example, kokonaisvaltaisessa tarkastelussa voidaan huomioida fyysiset, psyykkiset ja sosiaaliset tekijät yhdessä, rather than individually.

Etymology and nuance: kokonaisvaltainen is formed from kokonainen, meaning whole or complete, combined with the suffix -valtainen, which yields a sense of being characterized by a particular quality. The related noun kokonaisvaltaisuus denotes the quality of being holistic, while the adverbial form is kokonaisvaltaisesti, used to describe actions done in a holistic manner.

Usage and contexts: Kokonaisvaltainen is widely used across various Finnish discourse to signal an integrated approach. In healthcare, kokonaisvaltainen hoitomalli emphasizes physical, mental, and social well-being together. In education, kokonaisvaltainen kurinalaisuus or kokonaisvaltainen lähestymistapa refers to methods that address the whole learner and learning environment. In environmental planning and business, the term conveys strategies that integrate multiple dimensions such as economic, ecological, and social factors.

See also: holistinen (loanword from English), kokonaisvaltaisuus, kokonaisvaltaisesti.

Translations: The closest English equivalent is “holistic” or “comprehensive,” depending on context.