AT LARGE

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does at large mean? 

• AT LARGE (adjective)
  The adjective AT LARGE has 1 sense:

1. having escaped, especially from confinement

  Familiarity information: AT LARGE used as an adjective is very rare.

• AT LARGE (adverb)
  The adverb AT LARGE has 1 sense:

1. in a general fashion

  Familiarity information: AT LARGE used as an adverb is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• AT LARGE (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Having escaped, especially from confinement

Synonyms:

at large; escaped; loose; on the loose

Context example:

criminals on the loose in the neighborhood

Similar:

free (not limited or hampered; not under compulsion or restraint)

• AT LARGE (adverb)

Sense 1

Meaning:

In a general fashion

Synonyms:

at large; in a broad way

Context example:

he talked at large about his plans

 Context examples 

Nursing care provided for children and adults with developmental disabilities in the homes, schools, and communities to maximize their ability to interact and function in the community at large.

(Developmental Disabilities Nursing, NCI Thesaurus)

No great damage done, but the fellows are still at large.

(The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

And if any traveller hath a curiosity to see the whole work at large, as it came from the hands of the author, I will be ready to gratify him.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)

The various checks which influence the struggle for existence in the world at large are all neutralized or altered.

(The Lost World, by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)

You have all so much more heart among you than one finds in the world at large.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

Previous observational studies looking at large groups of people had shown associations between diets high in processed foods and health problems.

(Heavily processed foods cause overeating and weight gain, National Institutes of Health)

This she had been prepared for when she entered the house; but meant, having once talked him handsomely over, to be no farther incommoded by any troublesome topic, and to wander at large amongst all the Mistresses and Misses of Highbury, and their card-parties.

(Emma, by Jane Austen)

After doing the civil all round, and airing our best bonnet, we shall astonish you by the elegant hospitalities of our mansion, the brilliant society we shall draw about us, and the beneficial influence we shall exert over the world at large.

(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)

You are speaking of London, I am speaking of the nation at large.

(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)

However, since the king was pleased to allow me access to his royal person, I was resolved, upon the very first occasion, to deliver my opinion to him on this matter freely and at large, by the help of my interpreter; and whether he would please to take my advice or not, yet in one thing I was determined, that his majesty having frequently offered me an establishment in this country, I would, with great thankfulness, accept the favour, and pass my life here in the conversation of those superior beings the struldbrugs, if they would please to admit me.

(Gulliver's Travels into several remote nations of the world, by Jonathan Swift)