“整体”在英语中常见的表达有 whole、entirety、overall 或 totality,具体使用哪个词取决于语境:
1、 whole
含义:强调“完整、全部”,常用于描述事物的整体性。
例句:
We should consider the problem as a whole. (我们应该从整体上考虑这个问题。)
The whole is greater than the sum of its parts. (整体大于部分之和。)
2、 entirety
含义:正式用语,指“全部、整体”,强调无遗漏。
例句:
We read the entire book in its entirety. (我们通读了整本书。)
The plan was rejected in its entirety. (整个计划被完全否决。)
3、 overall
含义:既可作形容词(“总体的、全面的”),也可作副词(“总体上”),侧重于“总体情况或效果”。
例句:
The overall design is very impressive. (整体设计非常令人印象深刻。)
Overall, the project was a success. (总体而言,项目是成功的。)
4、 totality
含义:较为正式,指“全部、总和”,强调事物的完整性。
例句:
We must consider the totality of the evidence. (我们必须考虑所有证据。)
The totality of the situation is complex. (整体情况很复杂。)
若强调“完整性”或“全部”,用 whole 或 entirety。
若描述“总体情况或效果”,用 overall。
若需要正式表达“全部或总和”,用 totality。