adv B1 Intermediate Common

largely

LAHJ-lee

Largely (adv) means Mostly or mainly. Example: “The delay was largely due to bad weather.”

adv

Mostly or mainly.

"The delay was largely due to bad weather."

"The audience was largely made up of students."

How to use largely

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo a great extent — used to say something is mostly, but not entirely, true.

Common pairings

largely due to largely unknown largely because

Word forms

largelier comparative, more largely comparative, largeliest superlative, most largely superlative

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The delay was _____ due to bad weather.

Etymology

From "large" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."

Synonyms

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mostly mainly chiefly primarily principally predominantly for the most part in the main

Related words

very almost usually particularly generally mostly slightly mainly

Rhymes for largely

rely comely lonely timely lovely homely widely lively lately rarely barely likely

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Frequently asked questions

What does “largely” mean?

The word “largely” means mostly or mainly. In plain terms, to a great extent — used to say something is mostly, but not entirely, true.

How do you pronounce “largely”?

“Largely” is pronounced LAHJ-lee (/ˈlɑɹd͡ʒ.li/ in IPA).

How do you use “largely” in a sentence?

Here is “largely” used in a sentence: “The delay was largely due to bad weather.”

What is another word for “largely”?

Words with a similar meaning to “largely” include for the most part and in the main.

What part of speech is “largely”?

“Largely” is an adverb.

Is “largely” a common word?

“Largely” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

What is the difference between largely and mostly?

The two are close and often interchangeable. "Mostly" points to the greater part by amount or frequency — most of the time, most of the whole. "Largely" leans towards the main reason or influence — "the delay was largely due to weather." Both mean mainly, with "largely" often stressing cause.

What is an example of largely in a sentence?

"The project succeeded largely because of careful planning" shows the word pointing to the main cause. "The town is largely rural" describes something true for the most part but not entirely. In both, "largely" means mainly or mostly, leaving room for smaller exceptions alongside the dominant fact.

Does largely mean completely?

No. Largely means mainly or for the most part, and it deliberately leaves room for exceptions. Saying a report is "largely accurate" signals that most of it is right but some of it may not be. If something were wholly true, you would say "completely" or "entirely" instead.

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