Written by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Verified for the 2026 exam
Verified for the 2026 examโขWritten by the Fiveable Content Team โข Last updated September 2025
Definition
Gestalt refers to the idea that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. It emphasizes that our perception of objects is not determined solely by their individual characteristics, but also by how they are organized and structured as a whole.
Related terms
Figure-ground relationship: This concept refers to our ability to perceive an object as distinct from its surroundings or background.