generality

American  

[jen-uh-ral-i-tee] / ˌdʒɛn əˈræl ɪ ti /

noun

plural

generalities

1. an indefinite, unspecific, or undetailed statement.

   to speak in generalities about human rights.

   Synonyms:

   banality, platitude, cliché, truism

2. a general principle, rule, or law.

3. the greater part or majority.

   the generality of people.

4. the state or quality of being general.

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generality British  

/ ˌdʒɛnəˈrælɪtɪ /

noun

1. a principle or observation having general application, esp when imprecise or unable to be proved

2. the state or quality of being general

3. archaic the majority

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Etymology

Origin of generality

1400–50; late Middle English generalite < Latin generālitās. See general, -ity

Example Sentences

But what level of generality is appropriate for this analysis?

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 1, 2026

This is obviously a gross generality, but it really feels true to me that people here tend to take a more optimistic tone.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2025

Progressive originalists generally respond to this obstacle by defining rights at a higher level of generality.

From Slate • May 8, 2024

Yet, due to its generality, it can be applied to any social dilemma with diverse individuals, like climate change, for instance.

From Science Daily • Feb. 26, 2024

If life on Mars exists, we will have a unique opportunity to test the generality of our kind of life.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• generalization