largely

adverb

large·​ly ˈlärj-lē 

: in a large manner

especially : to a large extent : mostly, primarily

words largely unknown a decade ago

Synonyms of largely

• 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

Leading up to the June primary, lagging in polls and fundraising, and dogged by a federal probe of a former staffer accused of siphoning money from his dormant campaign account, Becerra was largely an afterthought. — Sacbee.com, 1 Nov. 2026

In the final days before Tuesday’s election, Xavier Becerra and Steve Hilton crisscrossed California, trading barbs at rallies and Halloween events in a largely one-sided governor’s race. — Seema Mehta, Los Angeles Times, 1 Nov. 2026

Even under mayoral control in New York City, the city is largely responsible for the public schools’ budget and the mayor appoints not only the chancellor and a majority of school board members but also subordinate superintendents and staff. — David Bloomfield, New York Daily News, 1 Nov. 2026

Civil rights laws are largely complaint-driven by design, to avoid overreach and excessive surveillance by the government. — Maribeth Romslo, Rolling Stone, 1 Nov. 2026

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