What does "by and large" mean?
What it means: Generally speaking; mostly; on the whole. Used to introduce a general statement that's true overall, even if not true in every specific case."By and large, the project was a success.""By and large, people were supportive of the change.""It was, by and large, a good year."Where it c...
What it means
Generally speaking; mostly; on the whole. Used to introduce a general statement that's true overall, even if not true in every specific case.
"By and large, the project was a success."
"By and large, people were supportive of the change."
"It was, by and large, a good year."
Where it comes from
Sailing. "By" meant sailing into the wind; "large" meant sailing with the wind. A ship that could handle both was versatile and capable. "By and large" originally meant in any condition - a description of something that works across different circumstances. This sense of "in general" is what transferred to everyday language.
A native would say
- "Generally speaking" - formal equivalent
- "On the whole" - similar
- "Overall" - simpler, common
- "Mostly" - casual
Register
Neutral to slightly formal. More common in writing than speech, but used in both.
What does "by and large" mean?
Generally speaking; mostly; on the whole. Used to introduce a general statement that's true overall, even if not true in every specific case.
"By and large, the project was a success."
"By and large, people were supportive of the change."
"It was, by and large, a good year."
Is "by and large" formal or informal?
Neutral to slightly formal. More common in writing than speech, but used in both.
What's another way to say "by and large"?
- "Generally speaking" - formal equivalent
- "On the whole" - similar
- "Overall" - simpler, common
- "Mostly" - casual
Why do native speakers say "by and large"?
Sailing. "By" meant sailing into the wind; "large" meant sailing with the wind. A ship that could handle both was versatile and capable. "By and large" originally meant in any condition - a description of something that works across different circumstances. This sense of "in general" is what transferred to everyday language.
English is full of expressions like this one.
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