largely

adverb

large·​ly ˈlärj-lē 

: in a large manner

especially : to a large extent : mostly, primarily

words largely unknown a decade ago

Synonyms

• altogether
• basically
• by and large
• chiefly
• generally
• mainly
• mostly
• overall
• predominantly
• primarily
• principally
• substantially

Examples of largely in a Sentence

The story is largely true.

He is largely responsible for the problem.

The economy is based largely on farming.

Recent Examples on the Web

For the Celtics, there were 24 points from Brown but only 16 from Tatum, who struggled to 4-of-17 shooting, largely against the defense of Larsson. —Ira Winderman, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025

This collective effort is crucial for defending sectors like energy, healthcare, finance and critical infrastructure, which are largely managed by private companies. —Israel Martinez, Forbes.com, 2 Apr. 2025

The magic is largely due to the formula’s pH (around 3.5) which keeps the ingredient active and able to effectively decongest the pore. —Emily Orofino, Vogue, 2 Apr. 2025

Console usage has largely been flat since then due to a post-pandemic downswing, among other factors, according to Piscatella and Anders Christofferson, global head of Bain & Company’s video gaming sector. —Lisa Eadicicco, CNN Money, 2 Apr. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

largely

adverb

large·​ly ˈlärj-lē 

1

: generally sense 1

the story is largely true

2

: in a great amount

tipped the waiter largely