Pronunciation: /ɡəˈʃtɑlt/

Definitions of gestalt

noun A concept or theory of 'wholeness' or 'unity' in psychology, often used to describe the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Example Sentences

A1 The gestalt of the painting was simple and easy to understand.

A2 She couldn't grasp the gestalt of the new math concept.

B1 The therapist helped her see the gestalt of her problems in a new light.

B2 The gestalt of the novel was complex and required careful analysis.

C1 The artist's work was praised for its ability to capture the gestalt of human emotion.

C2 The scientist studied the gestalt of the ecosystem to better understand its interconnected parts.

Examples of gestalt in a Sentence

formal The concept of gestalt psychology emphasizes the importance of considering the whole rather than just the sum of its parts.

informal I like how the gestalt of the room comes together with all the different decorations.

slang The gestalt of the situation is pretty messed up, if you ask me.

figurative She has a unique way of looking at things, always seeing the gestalt of a situation rather than just the details.

Grammatical Forms of gestalt

past tense

gestalted

plural

gestalts

comparative

more gestalt

superlative

most gestalt

present tense

gestalts

future tense

will gestalt

perfect tense

have gestalted

continuous tense

is gestalting

singular

gestalt

positive degree

very gestalt

infinitive

to gestalt

gerund

gestalting

participle

gestalting

Origin and Evolution of gestalt

First Known Use: 1890 year
Language of Origin: German
Story behind the word: The word 'gestalt' originated from the German language.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in psychology to describe the concept of 'an organized whole that is perceived as more than the sum of its parts', the term 'gestalt' has since been adopted in various fields such as philosophy, design, and therapy to convey a similar idea of holistic perception.