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

The party set out to try to dominate the political conversation when others often take a break and by and large they achieved that.

From BBC

In this era of creeping authoritarianism and mass surveillance, perhaps the U.S. is lucky that its generals are, by and large, so utterly uninspired.

From Salon

Late 20th century animated series that have withstood changes in taste and time have by and large rooted themselves in a politically neutral America.

From Salon

Greenaway says he would have taken "by and large the same strategy," that Astronomer has had he been involved in a situation like this.

From BBC

Sandweg said that, in his experience at the agency, ICE agents are, “by and large, a very high-quality group” and that most of the people “signed up to make the country safer.”

From Salon

Related Words

• commonly 
• consistently 
• customarily www.thesaurus.com
• frequently 
• generally 
• mostly 
• naturally 
• normally 
• occasionally 
• often 
• ordinarily 
• regularly 
• routinely 
• sometimes