generalize

American  

[jen-er-uh-lahyz] / ˈdʒɛn ər əˌlaɪz /

especially British, generalise

verb (used with object)

generalized, generalizing

1. to infer (a general principle, trend, etc.) from particular facts, statistics, or the like.

2. to infer or form (a general principle, opinion, conclusion, etc.) from only a few facts, examples, or the like.

3. to give a general rather than a specific or special character or form to.

4. to make general; bring into general use or knowledge.

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verb (used without object)

generalized, generalizing

1. to form general principles, opinions, etc.

2. to deal, think, or speak in generalities.

3. to make general inferences.

generalize British  

/ ˈdʒɛnrəˌlaɪz /

verb

1. to form (general principles or conclusions) from (detailed facts, experience, etc); infer

2. (intr) to think or speak in generalities, esp in a prejudiced way

3. (tr; usually passive) to cause to become widely used or known

4. (intr)

   1. to spread throughout the body

   2. to change from a localized infection or condition to a systemic one

      generalized infection

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Other Word Forms

• generalizable adjective
• generalizer noun
• nongeneralized adjective
• ungeneralized adjective
• ungeneralizing adjective

Etymology

Origin of generalize

First recorded in 1745–55; general + -ize

Example Sentences

Most believe, though, that their own personal finances will get better or remain the same, so this is a generalized feeling about the economy-at-large.

From Salon

"Our findings, based on Rayleigh and Hoyt framework, are consistent with existing generalized models, while offering new analytical clarity on the role of asymmetry in pointing errors," concludes Prof. Ata.

From Science Daily

As the technology selloff deepens, Oracle’s stock has been hit by a double whammy of generalized software concerns and jitters around the company’s own artificial-intelligence spending.

From MarketWatch

For the first time, the researchers derived generalized thermodynamic laws that fully incorporate these correlations.

From Science Daily

"It shows that topological states should be defined in generalized terms."

From Science Daily