# by and large

> English word · Adverb

## Definitions
1. Mostly; generally; all things considered.
2. In one way or another.
3. Sailing alternately into the wind and in the same direction as the wind.

## Etymology
From sailing: a ship may (or may not) sail well both close by the wind, and large, downwind, with sheets extended.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/by-and-large