generally
Americanadverb
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usually; commonly; ordinarily.
He generally comes home at noon.
- Antonyms:
- seldom
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with respect to the larger part; for the most part.
a generally accurate interpretation of the facts.
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without reference to or disregarding particular persons, things, situations, etc., that may be an exception.
generally speaking.
adverb
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usually; as a rule
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commonly or widely
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without reference to specific details or facts; broadly
Synonym Usage
See often.
Etymology
Origin of generally
Explanation
Generally means "usually" or "broadly." If something is generally true, it is usually true. If you generally dislike birthday celebrations, don’t be mad when no one throws you a party. If something is right generally, then it's right most of the time, though perhaps not in every case. Generally, dogs are more playful than cats. Generally, young people are healthier than old people. Generally, people like music. This word is handy when you need to say something that is true for most, but not all, people or things. This word helps you to generalize.
Vocabulary lists containing generally
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
It’s also personal, led by two actors who encourage the attendees to open up, to complete poems and to generally tune into their vulnerability.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 10, 2026
First, a warning: A bona fide sale for fair market value is generally treated differently from a gift for Medicaid purposes.
From MarketWatch • Jun. 10, 2026
“I’ve never heard of that happening before,” said former federal prosecutor Rick Mountcastle, speaking generally about DOJ protocols.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
The Internal Revenue Service generally requires investors to hold their interest in such funds for at least seven years.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026
We went to our classes, did our Greek, and generally managed to pretend among one another and everybody else that things were all right.
From "The Secret History" by Donna Tartt
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
