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.

---

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

---

Etymology

Origin of generality

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

Example Sentences

Mr. Gottlieb astutely observes that although Wittgenstein bemoaned the philosophical “craving for generality,” he was prone to making broad characterizations himself.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

"Maybe he knows how to "be" PM but not how to "do" it. They don't actually know what they want to do beyond the level of vague generalities," the insider argues.

From BBC

Trafficking in generalities rarely leads to universal truth.

From Los Angeles Times

By contrast, if someone hasn't actually stayed at, say, the hotel they are reviewing, or didn't dine at the restaurant they are writing about, they'll use abstract generalities loosely related to the experience.

From Salon

Related Words

• generalization