Largely vs. Remarkably

Attribute	Largely	Remarkably
Definition	to a great extent; mostly	in a way that is worthy of attention; strikingly
Usage	commonly used in everyday language	often used to emphasize a surprising or exceptional quality
Synonyms	mostly, predominantly, chiefly	notably, remarkably, strikingly
Antonyms	partially, minimally, scarcely	unremarkably, ordinarily, insignificantly

Definition and Usage

Largely and remarkably are both adverbs that are used to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs in a sentence. Largely is often used to indicate that something is mostly or mainly true, while remarkably is used to emphasize the surprising or extraordinary nature of something. Both words add depth and nuance to a sentence, but they are used in slightly different contexts.

Extent of Modification

One key difference between largely and remarkably is the extent to which they modify the word they are paired with. Largely tends to modify to a greater degree, indicating that something is mostly or predominantly true. For example, "She largely agreed with his assessment" suggests that her agreement was almost complete. On the other hand, remarkably tends to modify to a lesser degree, emphasizing the surprising or exceptional nature of something without necessarily implying a majority. For instance, "He was remarkably calm under pressure" highlights his unusual calmness without specifying that he was completely calm.

Subjective vs. Objective

Another distinction between largely and remarkably is the subjective versus objective nature of their usage. Largely is often used in a more objective sense, indicating a quantifiable amount or degree of something. For example, "The success of the project was largely due to her leadership" suggests a measurable contribution. In contrast, remarkably is often used in a more subjective sense, emphasizing the speaker's perception of something as extraordinary or unexpected. For instance, "The team's performance was remarkably impressive" reflects the speaker's subjective opinion of the team's achievement.

Emphasis on Quantity vs. Quality

Largely and remarkably also differ in terms of the emphasis they place on quantity versus quality. Largely tends to emphasize quantity, indicating the extent or amount of something. For example, "The event was largely attended by students" focuses on the number of students present. On the other hand, remarkably emphasizes quality, highlighting the exceptional or noteworthy nature of something. For instance, "Her artwork was remarkably detailed and intricate" emphasizes the high quality of her work rather than the quantity of pieces produced.

Contextual Usage

Both largely and remarkably are versatile adverbs that can be used in a variety of contexts to add depth and nuance to a sentence. Largely is often used in more factual or descriptive statements where the emphasis is on the extent or prevalence of something. For example, "The book was largely well-received by critics" provides a straightforward assessment of the book's reception. Remarkably, on the other hand, is often used in more subjective or evaluative statements where the emphasis is on the exceptional or surprising nature of something. For instance, "His recovery was remarkably swift" conveys the speaker's amazement at the speed of his recovery.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while largely and remarkably are both adverbs that modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, they have distinct attributes that set them apart. Largely tends to emphasize quantity and objectivity, indicating the extent or prevalence of something in a factual or descriptive manner. Remarkably, on the other hand, emphasizes quality and subjectivity, highlighting the exceptional or surprising nature of something in a more evaluative or subjective manner. Understanding the nuances of these two adverbs can help writers convey their intended meaning with precision and clarity.