How to Use Writ large Correctly (2024)

Writ largeis a phrase meaning obvious or clear.

Writ is an archaic form of ‘written’. So one can understandthe idiomwrit large as something written largely or magnified. However, it should always be in reference to a specific noun, used after said noun as an appositive, and not as a verbal phrase (e.g., iswrit large). It does not require the use of commas. Can also be used in the formswrit largerandwrit largest.

Another phrase iswrit small, which is used similarly towritlargeand has an opposite meaning.

Examples

See Also
certiorari

Waleed Aly was right toremindus that while there may be important wins, challenges and losses in the courts, refugee policy writ large has neither been reset nor altered. [Guardian]

There seemed to be a great relief writ large as the locals tried to stock up on essentials. [Indian Republic]

This year’s Man Booker Prize, in its first outing since the controversial rule change, was widely tipped to be The Coming of the Americans writ large. [Global Comment]

You might say Third Man is White’s former Detroit world writ large — a bigger version of the old shop where his upholstery work mingled with music, art and creative brainstorming. [Detroit Free Press]

The competition doesn’t lack for drama. It’s writ small, though, like in a home kitchen (with the exception of Iain Watters’s BakedAlaskaGate). [The Washington Post]

It’s The Godfather writ small, even written on the top of a baseball bat. [Financial Times]

How to Use Writ large Correctly (2024)

FAQs

How to Use Writ large Correctly? ›

If you say that one thing is another thing writ large, you mean that the first thing is a larger or more exaggerated version of the second thing. Her life was her personality writ large.

How do you use the phrase writ large? ›

If one thing is another thing writ large, it is similar to it but larger or more obvious: Hollywood is often said to be American society writ large.

Do you put a comma before writ large? ›

Writ large should always be in reference to a specific noun, used after said noun as an appositive, and not as a verbal phrase (e.g., is writ large). It does not require the use of commas. Can also be used in the forms writ larger and writ largest. (The Grammarist)

Why do people say writ large instead of at large? ›

People confuse the phrases writ large and at large. Here is the skinny on the difference: Writ large usually means clear or obvious. At large usually means in general.

How do you use writ in a sentence? ›

Examples of writ in a Sentence

The judge issued a writ of habeas corpus. He was served with a writ. These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'writ.

What is the meaning of writ large? ›

to be very obvious: Her distress was writ large in her face. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases. Apparent and obvious. (from) under your nose idiom.

What is the legal term writ large? ›

Related Definitions

private law `writ large. . It means that where a legal principle is so generally accepted by various nations as to be a common denominator of practically all civilized systems, it is justifiably applicable also by an international tribunal."

Why do people say writ? ›

A writ is a written document issuing a legal order. The word writ has been around since before the twelfth century and was first used to describe a written document needed to have a case heard at the royal courts of England during the Middle Ages.

What is the correct order of writing a sentence? ›

The standard order of words in an English sentence is subject + verb + object. While this sounds simple, it may be difficult to identify the subject(s), verb(s), and object(s), depending on the structure and complexity of the sentence.

Is it writ large or as a whole? ›

I'm increasingly seeing people use the phrase "writ large" to mean "in general" or "as a whole" but the definition of writ large is "in a stark or exaggerated form" or "clear and obvious."

What is the meaning of en toto? ›

adverb. totally; entirely; completely. Collins English Dictionary.

How do you say big in a polite way? ›

  1. large.
  2. sizable.
  3. substantial.
  4. considerable.
  5. huge.
  6. great.
  7. handsome.
  8. tidy.

What does state is individual writ large mean? ›

By saying that the 'State is an individual writ large,' or state is an enlarged version of an individual, Plato wants to say that the nature of the state will be shaped by the character of citizens living in the state.

Is writ an obsolete word? ›

The form writ survives in standard dialects in the phrase writ large as well as in works aiming for an intentionally poetic or archaic style. It remains common in some dialects (e.g. Scouse).

What are 3 types of writs? ›

There are three main types of writs: writs of mandate (sometimes called “mandamus”), writs of prohibition, and writs of review (sometimes called “certiorari”).

What is the past tense of writ? ›

The past tense of write is wrote He wrote a paper on grammar. He wrote to her almost daily.

What is the meaning of writ in a sentence? ›

Meaning of writ in English

a legal document from a law court that tells you that you will be involved in a legal process and explains what you must do: There have been at least seven writs issued against him for late payment of bills.

What is a writ in layman's terms? ›

The term writ refers to a formal, legal document that orders a person or entity to perform or to cease performing a specific action or deed. Writs are drafted by judges, courts, or other entities that have administrative or judicial jurisdiction.

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