By and Large Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 4, 2024 by Liam Daniel

By and large or, by in large? In the below article, the definition of the phrase “by and large”, and the details of its origin can be found. You will also see samples of sentences and conversations that show the proper usage of this phrase in everyday communication and you will find some different ways to this phrase that still allow you to convey the same meaning.

By and Large Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • “By and large” means generally or for the most part. It is used when you want to express that something is mostly true, though there may be a few exceptions. It’s often used to give an overall assessment or summary of a situation.
By And Large
By and Large – Created by 7ESL

By and Large Meaning

The phrase “by and large” means generally or for the most part. It is used to indicate that a statement is true in a broad sense, even if there are exceptions or specifics that may not apply. The phrase suggests a degree of overall assessment rather than focusing on minute details.

Examples:

  • “By and large, the project has been a success, despite some minor setbacks.”
  • “The weather has been quite pleasant by and large this summer.”

Origin of This Idiom

First, it must be noted here that the phrase “by in large” is a common misspelling of the appropriate spelled phrase “by and large.” This term originated from sailing in the year 1669. The word “by” in this sense was used to mean that a ship was sailing close-hauled, or as directly into the wind as it possibly could be. The word “large” in this sense was used to mean the spot on the sails where the wind is hitting. A later spelling “by and large” appeared in a magazine and is attributed to giving the phrase the definition that we know it to be today.

Usage of By and Large

  • By and large, + [subject] + [verb] + [object].
  • It can appear at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on emphasis.

Examples:

  • By and large, the meeting was productive, even though we had a few disagreements.
  • The movie, by and large, was enjoyable, though the ending was a bit weak.
  • The new system works well, by and large, despite some initial issues.

Related Terms to “By And Large”

  • Generally speaking – referring to the situation in a broad sense.
  • In general – indicating that something applies to most cases or instances.
  • Overall – considering everything as a whole; in total.
  • For the most part – indicating that something is mostly true, with some exceptions.
  • On the whole – taking everything into account; broadly speaking.
  • In the main – primarily; mostly; for the most part.
  • All in all – considering everything; taking everything into account.
  • Largely – to a great extent; mainly.
  • In summary – summarizing the main points or conclusions.
  • By and large – encompassing the majority or the overall situation.

Alternatives to “By And Large”

Some alternatives you can use in place of “by and large” that mean the same or something very similar include:

  • In general
  • Typically
  • Primarily
  • Generally

“By And Large” Examples

Example Sentences

  • By and large, horror movies have become extremely predictable.
  • A majority of people, by and large, think that politicians are crooks and liars.
  • By and large, I enjoyed my time at school.
  • By and large, women can bear pain better than men.
  • By and large, they are quantitative measures, not qualitative.

Example Conversations

A conversation among two co-workers.

  • Co-worker 1: I wish we could go back to the way the company used to do things.
  • Co-worker 2: By and large, I have to agree with you. Although, I do like the convenience of the direct deposit.
  • Co-worker 1: Yeah, I don’t miss waiting in line at the bank on a Friday night to cash or deposit my check.

A conversation between two friends after going to see a movie.

  • Friend 1: I can’t believe that one girl in the movie ran to hide in the barn. I think it would be kind of obvious that’s not the place to hide with so many available weapons just lying around in there.
  • Friend 2: Yeah, well, by and large, chicks in horror flicks don’t make the wisest decisions.
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