ENGLISH
REFERENCE

large

n.
A1 Beginner Oxford US //ˈɫɑɹdʒ// UK //lˈɑːdʒ// large Archaic General-service Slang

n. describes something that is big in size or amount. You use it to talk about things that are much bigger than average.

n. of considerable or relatively great size, extent, or capacity. Often used as a more formal or objective alternative to 'big'.


SIMPLE

They live in a large house near the park.

CONTEXTUAL

The company reported a large increase in sales after the new product launch.

COMPLEX

Despite the large volume of data collected during the initial phase, the researchers struggled to identify a single consistent variable that explained the outcome.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English large, from Old French large, from Latin larga, feminine of largus (“abundant, plentiful, copious, large, much”), of uncertain ultimate origin; see there for more. Along with big, it mostly displaced Middle English stoor and muchel (the latter surviving in much under a different meaning).

Usage

Typically placed before the noun it modifies or after a linking verb like 'be'.

Pitfall

He is a large man (meaning tall)He is a tall manLearners sometimes use 'large' to describe a person's height, but 'large' refers to overall size or weight; 'tall' should be used for height.

Idioms5 entries

© 2026 English Reference