by and large
by and large
Pronunciation
/ˌbaɪ ən ˈlɑːrdʒ/
by: /baɪ/
/b/ - voiced bilabial stop
/aɪ/ - diphthong (vowel sound changing from a lower position to a higher position in the mouth) similar to the "i" in "eye"
and: /ən/ (The "d" is often dropped in casual speech.)
/ə/ - schwa (a mid-central vowel sound, like the "a" in "about")
/n/ - alveolar nasal
large: /lɑːrdʒ/
/l/ - alveolar lateral approximant
/ɑː/ - open back unrounded vowel (similar to the "a" in "father")
/r/ - alveolar approximant (the "r" is pronounced in most dialects, but may be omitted in some, particularly in some British accents)
/dʒ/ - voiced postalveolar affricate (similar to the "j" in "judge")
Word Form Variations
"By and large" is an idiomatic phrase functioning as an adverbial phrase. It doesn't have singular or plural forms, nor other typical word form variations like tense (past, present, future) or case (nominative, accusative, etc.). It's a fixed expression. You wouldn't say "by and larger" or "by and larges."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Adverbial Phrase:
Definition 1: Generally; on the whole; for the most part. This definition emphasizes the overall scope of a statement, suggesting that while there might be exceptions or minor variations, the statement holds true in most cases.
Synonyms: Generally, mostly, primarily, on the whole, in general, as a rule, for the most part, predominantly, chiefly.
Antonyms: Specifically, particularly, precisely, exactly, in detail, narrowly, exceptionally, rarely, infrequently.
Definition 2: Taking everything into consideration; all things considered. This definition highlights the idea that the statement is made after considering various factors or aspects.
Synonyms: All things considered, taking everything into account, overall, in summary, broadly speaking, considering the circumstances.
Antonyms: Ignoring the details, without considering the specifics, focusing only on one aspect, in a limited sense.
Example Usage:
"By and large, the project was a success." (Meaning: Generally, the project was a success, despite any small problems.)
Examples of Use
General Public Discourse/Everyday Speech:
"By and large, the weather has been pretty good this summer." (This is a typical casual conversation example.)
"By and large, I agree with your assessment of the situation." (Expressing general agreement, while perhaps acknowledging minor points of disagreement.)
"The kids, by and large, had a great time at the party." (Implying that most children enjoyed themselves, even if a few didn't.)
Online Publications/Blogs/Forums:
"By and large, the online reviews for the restaurant are positive." (A common usage in online reviews and discussions.)
"By and large, users seem satisfied with the new software update." (A typical comment in a tech forum or blog post.)
"By and large, the discussion on the forum has been civil." (Commenting on the overall tone of an online discussion.)
Newspapers/News Articles (simulated examples):
"By and large, the city council's new initiative has been met with public approval." (A hypothetical news report example.)
"By and large, economists predict a steady growth rate for the next quarter." (A simulated example of economic reporting.)
Books (simulated examples):
"By and large, the villagers were hardworking and honest folk." (A fictional narrative example.)
"By and large, his early life was uneventful." (A biographical example.)
Entertainment (Movies/TV - simulated examples):
"By and large, they're a good bunch." (A line from a movie or TV show where one character is describing a group of people.)
"By and large, the plan went off without a hitch." (A character describing how a plan unfolded.)
10 Famous Quotes Using By and Large
“By and large, people become what they repeatedly choose.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said that by and large, discipline outperforms talent.” (Unknown)
“History shows that by and large, nations rise or fall according to the integrity of their leaders.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that by and large, love is quieter than expected but deeper than imagined.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions succeed by and large when fueled by purpose, not rage.” (Unknown)
“By and large, wisdom comes from listening more than speaking.” (Unknown)
“Leaders are judged by and large on how they treat the least powerful.” (Unknown)
“By and large, opportunity favors those prepared to seize it.” (Unknown)
“Hope survives by and large because someone refuses to give up.” (Unknown)
“By and large, success stems from small habits practiced consistently.” (Unknown)
Etymology
"By and large" is an idiom, meaning its meaning isn't simply the sum of its parts. It's a fixed phrase whose meaning has evolved over time. Tracing its etymology takes us back to the days of sailing.
"Large" in this context refers to the direction a sailing ship could travel relative to the wind. A ship sailing "large" was sailing with the wind coming from behind it or from the side (not directly against it). This was a more comfortable and efficient way to sail. It gave the ship a broader range of possible courses.
"By," on the other hand, is a bit trickier. It likely refers to sailing close to the wind, meaning at a smaller angle to it. This was more difficult and less efficient, but sometimes necessary. "By" can be thought of as "close" or "near."
So, originally, "by and large" likely meant "sailing close to the wind and sailing with the wind." It described the overall range of a ship's possible courses. A ship could sail "by" (close to the wind) when it had to, and "large" (with the wind) when it could.
Over time, this nautical meaning broadened. It came to mean "on the whole," "generally," or "for the most part." Just as a ship by and large could sail in a wide range of directions, a situation by and large is generally true, even if there are some exceptions or variations.
While pinpointing the very first recorded use is difficult, the phrase likely originated in the 17th or 18th century, coinciding with the height of sailing. Early uses would have been in nautical contexts, but it gradually transitioned into more general usage. It's a testament to how language borrows from specific fields (like sailing) and adapts to become a part of everyday speech.
Phrases + Idioms Containing By and Large
Phrases and Idioms expressing a similar idea (generalization, overall truth):
On the whole: This is perhaps the closest synonym and is often used in similar contexts. "On the whole, the event was well-organized."
For the most part: Another very close equivalent. "For the most part, the audience enjoyed the performance."
In general: A common and versatile way to express a general statement. "In general, people tend to be kind."
As a rule: Indicates something that is generally true, though there may be exceptions. "As a rule, I wake up early."
Generally speaking: Similar to "in general," but often used to introduce a broader statement. "Generally speaking, the economy is improving."
Broadly speaking: Indicates a general overview, without going into specific details. "Broadly speaking, the book covers the major historical events."
All things considered: Suggests that a judgment is made after taking everything into account. "All things considered, it was a successful trip."
Taking everything into account: Similar to "all things considered." "Taking everything into account, the decision was fair."
By and large (itself!): As discussed, this is the idiom we are focusing on, and it stands alone.
Original phrases inspired by "by and large" (playing with the nautical theme):
"By current and calm, the voyage proceeded smoothly." (An original phrase evoking the idea of smooth sailing, similar to the general sense of "by and large.")
"By fair winds and following seas, we achieved our destination." (Another original phrase with a nautical flavor, suggesting overall favorable conditions.)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of by and large from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
