largely

/ˈlɑːdʒli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈlɑːrdʒli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈlärj-lē/ (ame, mw)

largely — adverb

1. to a great degree; used to say that something is mostly true or mostly happens,

1.副詞B2
釋義

to a great degree; used to say that something is mostly true or mostly happens, though not completely or in every case

例句

The success of the project was largely due to Lien's careful planning.

collocation: largely due to + noun for primary cause

Minho's decision to study abroad was largely influenced by his love of Japanese culture.

largely + past participle (influenced) showing a passive cause

同義詞
  • mostly

    more common in everyday speech; interchangeable in most contexts

  • mainly

    focuses on the primary element rather than the extent of coverage

  • chiefly

    more formal; often used in written or academic contexts

  • primarily

    formal; emphasizes the main cause or purpose

反義詞
  • slightly

    opposite in degree — 'largely' suggests a high degree, 'slightly' a low one

  • barely

    opposite in extent — 'largely complete' vs 'barely complete'

文法句型

largely + adjective/past participle

largely due to + noun

用法筆記

Cannot be used before comparative adjectives or adverbs. Use 'far', 'much', or 'a lot' instead (e.g., 'far better', not 'largely better'). Also avoid combining with 'very' — 'very largely' is considered redundant.

常見錯誤

❌This new model is largely better than the old one.
✅This new model is far better than the old one.
💡'largely' does not intensify comparatives; use 'far', 'much', or 'a lot' instead.
❌The work is largely done by the team.' (ambiguous)
✅The work is almost completely done by the team.
💡When you mean 'mostly' but the context could also suggest 'on a big scale', use a clearer adverb like 'almost completely' or 'mostly'.

2. in a way that involves great size, amount, or importance; done or organized on a

2.副詞C1
釋義

in a way that involves great size, amount, or importance; done or organized on a big scale — for example, a largely expanded transport network or a largely attended international forum

例句

The governor proposed a largely expanded highway system connecting all major cities.

largely + past participle (expanded) for large-scale infrastructure

The annual conference was a largely attended event with delegates from over forty countries.

同義詞
  • on a grand scale

    clearer and more natural in modern English

  • extensively

    focuses on wide coverage rather than impressiveness

  • greatly

    broader in meaning; can also indicate a high degree

反義詞

文法句型

largely + past participle (conceived/built/planned)

verb + largely (gave largely)

用法筆記

This sense is much less common than sense 1 (MOSTLY/MAINLY). It appears mainly in formal writing and describes deliberate large-scale actions. In everyday conversation, 'on a large scale' or 'in a big way' are more natural alternatives. Distinguish from sense 1 by checking whether the meaning is 'mostly' (sense 1) or 'in a grand/big manner' (sense 2).

常見錯誤

❌They largely celebrated the holiday.' (ambiguous)
✅They celebrated the holiday in a grand style.
💡Without further context, 'largely celebrated' could mean 'mostly celebrated' or 'celebrated on a big scale.' Use a clearer phrasing.