Is body-and-soul formal or informal?

It is fairly formal and literary. It sounds stronger than everyday speech.

How is body-and-soul different from wholehearted?

Both mean total commitment. Body-and-soul sounds more intense and emotional.

Can I use body-and-soul in business writing?

Yes, but use it carefully. It sounds dramatic, so it works best in strong praise or serious writing.

← Dictionary

body-and-soul

/ˌbɒd.i ænd ˈsəʊl/

IELTSAcademic

adjective

Very complete and fully involved. A body-and-soul effort uses all your energy, attention, and feeling.

She made a body-and-soul effort to help.
He was body-and-soul in the project.
Their body-and-soul support saved the campaign.

Adinary Nuance

Body-and-soul is stronger than "fully committed" or "deeply involved." It suggests total personal devotion, not just interest or hard work. Writers choose it when they want to show wholehearted, all-in support.

In other languages

Vietnamese: hết lòng
Spanish: de todo corazón
Chinese: 全心全意
Japanese: 身も心も
Korean: 온 마음으로

Etymology

Body-and-soul comes from the idea of giving both the physical self and the spiritual self to something. It has been used in English since the early 20th century.

Common phrases

body-and-soul effortbody-and-soul supportbody-and-soul dedication

Synonyms

wholehearted fully committed devoted all-out

Frequently asked questions

Is body-and-soul formal or informal?: It is fairly formal and literary. It sounds stronger than everyday speech.
How is body-and-soul different from wholehearted?: Both mean total commitment. Body-and-soul sounds more intense and emotional.
Can I use body-and-soul in business writing?: Yes, but use it carefully. It sounds dramatic, so it works best in strong praise or serious writing.