all things considered

Adverb

all things considered (not comparable)

1. (idiomatic, modal) Generally speaking; in terms of the big picture.
   • Of course some areas are more dangerous than others, but all things considered Glasgow is quite a safe place to live.

   Synonyms:

   all in all, by and large, for the most part, in the main, on balance, on the whole, altogether, broadly, as a rule, basically

2. (idiomatic, modal) Despite possible indications to the contrary.
   • Though only a few people attended the premiere, all things considered the play was rather a success.
   • “[…] and all things considered, I don't much regret that this affair with Miss Amory is manquée, though I wished for it once—in fact, all things considered, I am very glad of it.”1848 November – 1850 December, William Makepeace Thackeray, chapter XXXVII, in The History of Pendennis. […], volume II, London: Bradbury and Evans, […], published 1850, →OCLC, page 356

   Synonyms:

   actually, as a matter of fact, in fact, overall, above a bit, by right, certainly, come to think of it, de facto, definitely

3. (idiomatic, modal) Given the constraints of the situation; relative to what would have been understandable.
   • Although rationing was strict, they had a couple of chickens and a vegetable patch and they ate well, all things considered.
   • We had a good stock of tea, with which we treated our friends, as above, and we lived very cheerfully and well, all things considered.1719 May 6 (Gregorian calendar), [Daniel Defoe], The Life and Strange Surprizing Adventures of Robinson Crusoe, […], London: […] W[illiam] Taylor […], →OCLC

   Synonyms:

   nevertheless, otherwise, considering