by and large

adverb

1. in general; on the whole

Word History and Origins

Origin of by and large¹

C17: originally nautical (meaning: to the wind and off it)

Idioms and Phrases

For the most part, generally speaking, as in By and large the novel was a success . This expression originated in 17th-century seamanship, where it referred to sailing into the wind and then off it, which made it easier to steer. By the early 1700s the term had been broadened to mean “in one direction and another,” whence its present meaning of “in general.” For a synonym, see for the most part .

Example Sentences

We were by and large, very shared brain, in lockstep.

From Salon

There are a large number of world-class drivers in F1, and by and large they all race fairly up to the limit of the regulations.

From BBC

If that turns out to be the case, "eventually, when you go to the supermarket, you will end up finding more expensive commodities, by and large."

From Salon

That’s why everyone wins: Democracies are good for most people in society, whereas autocracies, by and large, are only good for a small group of elites.

From Salon

I’ve inherited some things through osmosis but, by and large, I didn’t know the first thing about Judaism — even having been bar mitzvahed, having played Jewish characters before.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• altogether