The word synthesis comes from the Greek word meaning “to put together.” Synthesis is a process of reasoning whereby we put disparate parts together to gain an understanding of the whole. Synthesis can be considered the opposite process of reasoning from analysis in that analysis involves taking things apart to understand the components. Synthesis is the method of reasoning used within a holistic paradigm. With synthesis, one understands something by looking at how the parts interrelate to form the whole and how this whole system functions within its environment.