generally

American  

[jen-er-uh-lee] / ˈdʒɛn ər ə li /

adverb

1. usually; commonly; ordinarily.

   He generally comes home at noon.

   Antonyms:

   seldom

2. with respect to the larger part; for the most part.

   a generally accurate interpretation of the facts.

3. without reference to or disregarding particular persons, things, situations, etc., that may be an exception.

   generally speaking.

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generally British  

/ ˈdʒɛnrəlɪ /

adverb

1. usually; as a rule

2. commonly or widely

3. without reference to specific details or facts; broadly

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Related Words

See often.

Etymology

Origin of generally

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; general + -ly

Example Sentences

Business was brisk on two days The Times observed, and the waiting times were generally only a few minutes.

From Los Angeles Times

Investigations into individuals or corporations declined for prosecution are generally not reported to courts and usually only disclosed in summary form by the DOJ in annual reports.

From Salon

Banks, which typically follow the federal calendar, will generally be open as well.

From MarketWatch

Having won several times, the group says they generally expect to trounce the competition.

From The Wall Street Journal

Spend the funds on something else and the earnings generally face income tax and a 10% federal penalty.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• broadly
• commonly
• customarily
• largely
• mostly
• normally
• ordinarily
• publicly
• roughly
• typically
• universally
• usually
• widely