Definition

Adjective phrase: - Made more obvious, prominent, or clearly evident: Used to describe something that is a larger, clearer, or more extreme version of a general idea or quality. It suggests that a characteristic is so apparent it is as if it were written in large letters.

Usage

The phrase "writ large" is used after a noun to describe it. It functions as a postpositive adjective, meaning it comes after the word it modifies. It is a formal or literary expression.

Examples

• The city's history of conflict is its national history writ large. (The city's conflicts are a larger, clearer example of the nation's overall history.)
• Her personal struggle is the struggle of her generation writ large. (Her individual experience is a prominent and representative example of what her entire generation experienced.)
• In his arrogant behavior, we saw his insecurity writ large. (His arrogance was a very obvious and exaggerated display of his underlying insecurity.)

Advanced Usage

• "X writ large": This is the standard construction, where X is the concept being magnified or made more prominent.
  • The new policy is the old ideology writ large, with even stricter controls.
• Used to indicate that something is a grand-scale or more intense manifestation of a principle.
  • The festival is community spirit writ large across the entire town.

Variants and Related Words

• Written large (alternative phrasing): Has the same meaning and usage as "writ large."
  • The fear was written large on their faces.
• Magnified (verb/adjective): Made larger or more intense.
• Manifest (adjective): Clear or obvious to the eye or mind.

Synonyms

• Exaggerated
• Amplified
• Emblazoned
• Pronounced

Notes on Meaning

The phrase originates from the literal idea of text being written in large, easily visible letters. Its figurative meaning always implies a relationship where a specific instance clearly and prominently exemplifies a broader, more general truth or quality.

Adjective

1. made more obvious or prominent
   • the effect of...his irregular life could be seen writ large on his gaunt features