writ large
Học thuậtThân thiện
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
- made more obvious or prominent
- the effect of...his irregular life could be seen writ large on his gaunt features