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.
Generally, scads of slack signal weakness and tend to place a lid on companies’ ability to raise prices.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 10, 2026
Generally, we are very empathetic to the folks in Hollywood, but this transaction will actually create more and better and exciting jobs.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 1, 2026
Generally, a plague is defined as 800 mice per hectare, he says.
From BBC • May 30, 2026
"Generally, the industry accepts that once the first layer of circuits is complete, the thermal budget limit for any additional layers is 400 degrees Celsius," Cao said.
From Science Daily • May 30, 2026
Generally, it’s cooler than up in the church, but it’s warm down here tonight.
From "The Help" by Kathryn Stockett
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.
