By and large
Suggest a CorrectionMeaning
Generally, on the whole or after considering the main aspects. A sentence adverb usually set off by commas. 'By in large' is a mishearing, not a standard variant. Regional use: British nautical origin; now international English.
Origin
This phrase genuinely comes from sailing. A vessel sailed 'by' when close to the wind and 'large' when the wind came from a favourable direction; Samuel Sturmy's Mariners Magazine of 1669 describes handling a ship 'by and learge'. Ability in both conditions suggested comprehensive performance, and the phrase broadened from seamanship to 'in most respects' or 'generally'.
Research Sources
Variants
- By and large speaking
Usage Examples
- By and large, residents supported the revised route.
- The machines are old but, by and large, dependable.
- Her account was by and large accurate, despite two mistaken dates.