Largely Meaning

UK /ˈlɑːdʒli/
US /ˈlɑrdʒli/
Word Definition
largely meaning

Largely Definition & Usage

adverb

To a great extent; mostly, chiefly, or in large part.

Examples

  • "The project was largely successful, despite a few setbacks."
  • "Largely due to her efforts, the event was a huge success."
  • "The economy has been largely unaffected by the changes."
  • "His opinion was largely shaped by his upbringing."
  • "Largely speaking, the team did well in the competition."
adverb

Used to suggest that something is true for the most part, but not entirely; with some exceptions or nuances.

Examples

  • "The meeting was largely productive, but there were a few distractions."
  • "The film was largely well-received, although some critics had reservations."
  • "The policy is largely effective, though it doesn't address all concerns."
  • "His comments were largely accurate, but some were based on outdated information."
  • "The weather has been largely sunny this week, with only occasional rain showers."

Cultural Context

The word 'largely' originates from Middle English, and its usage has evolved to indicate both the extent to which something is true or prevalent, and to imply a few exceptions. It can often be found in both formal and informal contexts, especially when discussing results or opinions that are mostly but not completely accurate.

The Largely Unseen Champion

Story

The Largely Unseen Champion

At the bustling heart of the city, nestled between towering skyscrapers and busy streets, sat a small, unassuming café. This was the kind of place that went unnoticed by many, yet to a select group of people, it was the source of something extraordinary. Sarah, a local writer, was sitting by the window, sipping her coffee while working on her latest novel. She glanced up at the clock—she had an hour before meeting her old friend, Max. Max was the owner of the café, and the mastermind behind its charm, though he was rarely acknowledged for it. Over the years, Max had built a loyal clientele who came not just for the coffee, but for the atmosphere he had created—a sense of quiet refuge amidst the chaos of the city. His efforts had paid off in ways that weren’t immediately visible. The café’s success was largely due to his personal touch, his ability to remember the names and preferences of regulars, and the way he made everyone feel welcome. Despite this, Max never sought attention. He knew that the café’s success was not about making headlines or winning awards; it was largely about providing a haven for those who needed it most. As Sarah waited, she reflected on her own work. She had been writing a novel about the importance of small, often overlooked acts in a world that prioritized the grandiose. The café was the perfect embodiment of this idea. Max was largely unseen in the media, but his impact on the community was undeniable. Sarah thought about how his dedication to creating a peaceful, inclusive space for his patrons was often overshadowed by the bigger, flashier businesses around town. Yet, for the people who mattered, Max’s café was the heart of the neighborhood. When Max finally arrived, Sarah greeted him with a warm smile. As they exchanged pleasantries, Sarah couldn’t help but feel a sense of admiration for him. His efforts had made the café a success, largely through his personal involvement. However, when asked about his contributions, Max was quick to downplay them. He attributed the café’s success to the dedication of his staff and the loyalty of his customers, even though he knew that, largely, it was his vision that had kept the place running. That afternoon, as Sarah left the café, she realized how often people like Max went uncelebrated. In a world that often valued the loud and the bold, those who contributed in quieter, subtler ways were sometimes overlooked, though their influence was largely felt by those who knew better. As she walked through the city streets, Sarah felt a renewed sense of appreciation for the small victories that, while largely unnoticed, made all the difference.

The Largely Unseen Champion