at large
The phrase "at large" is versatile, with meanings ranging from political representation to describing someone who is free from confinement.
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🇬🇧 UK Voice:
Definition
B2Law
(idiomatic)Not captured or restrained, often referring to a person or animal that has escaped.
Example
- The suspect is still at large and considered dangerous.
C1Politics
(technical)Elected or appointed to represent an entire area or population rather than a specific district.
Example
- She was elected as a council member at large, representing the whole city.
B2General
(formal)In a general or overall sense, not limited to a specific area or scope.
Example
- The community at large supported the new policy.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "at large":