Pronunciation: /æt lɑrdʒ/

Definitions of at large

noun A noun is a person, place, thing, or idea. In this case, 'at large' can also function as a noun phrase, referring to a state of being or a specific location.

Example Sentences

A1 The criminal is still at large.

A2 The missing cat is still at large in the neighborhood.

B1 The concept of freedom of speech is often debated at large.

B2 The impact of climate change is felt at large across the globe.

C1 The company's decision will have repercussions at large in the industry.

C2 The artist's work is celebrated at large by critics and audiences alike.

adjective An adjective modifies or describes a noun or pronoun. 'Large' is an adjective in this phrase, describing the size or scope of something.

Example Sentences

A1 The cat was running around the neighborhood at large.

A2 The suspect is still at large and considered dangerous.

B1 The company's policies are designed to keep employees safe both in the office and at large events.

B2 The artist's work is well-known in the art community and at large exhibitions.

C1 The politician's influence is felt not just in their own country, but at large on the global stage.

C2 The author's impact on literature is significant, both within their own genre and at large in the literary world.

adverb An adverb modifies or describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb. In this case, 'at large' functions as an adverb to describe the location or status of something.

Example Sentences

A1 The cat is still at large in the neighborhood.

A2 The suspect is still at large and considered dangerous.

B1 The company's profits have been growing at large over the past year.

B2 The issue of climate change affects the world at large.

C1 The artist's work is admired by the art community at large.

C2 The politician's scandal had repercussions at large within the government.

preposition A preposition shows the relationship between a noun (or pronoun) and other words in a sentence. 'At' is a preposition in this context, indicating a specific location or condition.

Example Sentences

A1 The cat is at large in the neighborhood.

A2 The suspect is still at large and considered dangerous.

B1 The company's profits are at large due to increased sales.

B2 The impact of climate change is felt at large across the globe.

C1 The politician's scandal had repercussions at large within the government.

C2 The artist's work is celebrated at large by critics and fans alike.

Examples of at large in a Sentence

formal The suspect is still at large and considered dangerous.

informal The criminal is still out there somewhere.

slang The bad guy is still on the loose.

figurative The idea of freedom is still at large in their minds.

Grammatical Forms of at large

past tense

was at large

plural

at larges

comparative

more at large

superlative

most at large

present tense

is at large

future tense

will be at large

perfect tense

has been at large

continuous tense

is being at large

singular

at large

positive degree

as large as possible

infinitive

to be at large

gerund

being at large

participle

having been at large

Origin and Evolution of at large

First Known Use: 1300 year
Language of Origin: Middle English
Story behind the word: The phrase 'at large' originated from Middle English, where 'at' meant 'in' and 'large' meant 'broad or wide'. It was used to refer to someone or something that is not confined or restricted.
Evolution of the word: Over time, the phrase 'at large' has evolved to also mean 'at liberty' or 'not in custody'. It is commonly used in legal contexts to refer to a suspect who is still on the loose or a criminal who has not been apprehended.