Definition

Adverb: 1. To a great extent; mostly; mainly: Indicates that something is true or happens for the most significant part, but not necessarily entirely. 2. On a large scale; generously: Indicates something is done in a broad, extensive, or ample manner.

Usage and Examples

• Meaning 1 (To a great extent; mainly):

  • His success is largely due to hard work and perseverance. (This means hard work is the primary, but not necessarily the only, reason for his success.)
  • The audience was largely made up of students. (This indicates students formed the majority of the audience.)
  • These old accounts remain largely inactive. (This suggests the accounts are mostly, but perhaps not completely, inactive.)

• Meaning 2 (On a large scale; generously):

  • The artist drew the initial sketch largely, so it was visible from the back of the hall. (This describes the manner of drawing as being done with broad, ample strokes.)
  • He contributed largely to the charity fund. (This means he contributed in a generous or substantial amount.)

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "Largely" vs. "Completely": "Largely" often implies a high degree but leaves room for exceptions or minor parts. It is similar to "mostly" or "primarily." For example, "The theory is largely accepted" suggests it is the dominant view but not universal.
• Position in a Sentence: "Largely" is typically placed before the main verb, after an auxiliary verb, or at the beginning of a clause for emphasis.
  • She largely ignored the criticism.
  • The project has been largely successful.
  • Largely, the meeting went as planned.

Variants and Related Words

• Large (adjective): Of considerable size, extent, or capacity.
  • They live in a large house.
• Enlarge (verb): To make larger.
  • They plan to enlarge the kitchen.

Synonyms

• Mainly: For the most part; chiefly.
  • The team is mainly composed of experienced players.
• Mostly: Almost entirely; generally.
  • The work is mostly finished.
• Primarily: For the most part; essentially.
  • The book is primarily intended for beginners.
• Predominantly: Mainly; for the most part.
  • The population is predominantly urban.

Antonyms

• Partly: To some extent; not completely.
  • The delay was partly due to bad weather.
• Slightly: To a small degree; not considerably.
  • The temperature increased slightly.
• Minimally: To a minimal degree; very little.
  • The design was minimally altered.

Common Collocations and Phrases

• Largely dependent on: Mostly relying on.
  • The region's economy is largely dependent on tourism.
• Largely unchanged: Remaining mostly the same.
  • The old town center remains largely unchanged.
• Largely responsible for: Being the main cause of.
  • He was largely responsible for the project's success.

Adverb

1. on a large scale
   • the sketch was so largely drawn that you could see it from the back row
2. in large part; mainly or chiefly
   • These accounts are largely inactive