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

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

Accordingly, it increasingly enacted statutes that created rules of a fairly high level of generality and delegated responsibility for making more particular legal rules—called “regulations” —to executive branch agencies with expertise in the field.

From Slate • Feb. 21, 2025

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

And here a generality concerning the growth of American cities, seemingly true of all of them I know.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Related Words

• generalization