Meaning
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
References used to check this entry’s meaning, history, or documented forms.
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.