Terviklik

terviklik is an Estonian adjective meaning holistic or integral. It describes approaches, analyses, or systems that treat the whole and the interconnections between parts, rather than focusing on components in isolation. A ter viklik perspective aims to understand how elements influence one another within a larger context, emphasizing coherence and integration.

Etymology and form: the word is formed from a noun that denotes the whole, plus the adjectival suffix -lik, yielding a term that characterizes the quality of being whole or comprehensive. As a concept, ter viklik is closely tied to the idea of holism or system thinking in which problems are addressed by considering structure, relationships, and context.

Usage and contexts: ter viklik appears in education, health care, urban planning, business strategy, and social sciences to signal a complete, system-oriented view. Common phrases include ter viklik lähenemine (holistic approach) and ter vikliku arengu eesmärgid (goals of holistic development). The term is often contrasted with reductionist or fragmentary methods that analyze parts in isolation.

See also: holism, system thinking, holistic education, and the Estonian noun ter viklikkus or holism where applicable. While widely used in Estonian discourse, ter viklik is typically translated as holistic or comprehensive in English and is part of a broader vocabulary that emphasizes considering the whole when evaluating complex phenomena.