large

views updated May 14 2018

large / lärj/ • adj. 1. of considerable or relatively great size, extent, or capacity: the concert attracted large crowds. ∎  of greater size than the ordinary, esp. with reference to a size of clothing or to the size of a packaged commodity: the sweater comes in small, medium, and large sizes.2. of wide range or scope: we can afford to take a larger view of the situation.3. Sailing another term for free (sense 8).• adv. Sailing another term for free (sense 2).PHRASES: at large1. (esp. of a criminal or dangerous animal) at liberty; escaped or not yet captured: the fugitive was still at large.2. as a whole; in general: there has been a loss of community values in society at large.3. (also at-large) in a general way; without particularizing: the magazine's editor at large.in large measure (or part) to a great extent: the success of the conference was due in large part to its organizers.DERIVATIVES: large·ness n. larg·ish / -jish/ adj. (usu. in sense 1).

large

views updated May 14 2018

large †liberal, generous XII; †ample; wide in range or capacity XIII; †broad XIV; great, big XV. —(O)F. large (now ‘broad, wide’) :- L. larga, fem. of largus abundant, bountiful.
So largess †liberality XIII; liberal bestowal of gifts XIV. largo (mus.) slow and dignified; movement so marked. XVII. — It., ‘broad’.