largely

adverb

large·​ly ˈlärj-lē 

: in a large manner

especially : to a large extent : mostly, primarily

words largely unknown a decade ago

Synonyms

• mostly
• mainly
• primarily
• chiefly
• predominantly
• principally
• basically
• generally

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

The area where the shooting occurred is largely commercial, including vehicle service, recycling and trucking companies. —Mark Price, Charlotte Observer, 7 Sep. 2025

The play was high level, and both quarterbacks largely excelled. —Blair Kerkhoff, Kansas City Star, 7 Sep. 2025

Given the ownership has consistently stated the men’s team is the priority, the women’s team, apart from budgets and executive decision-making, has been largely left to its own devices. —Charlotte Harpur, New York Times, 6 Sep. 2025

White soldiers were reluctant to serve alongside the largely Black battalion, so the Harlem Hellfighters fought alongside the Allied French, fighting off enemy soldiers and becoming the first unit to reach the Rhine River. —Alana Wise, NPR, 6 Sep. 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