generalize
to infer (a general principle, trend, etc.) from particular facts, statistics, or the like.
to infer or form (a general principle, opinion, conclusion, etc.) from only a few facts, examples, or the like.
to give a general rather than a specific or special character or form to.
to make general; bring into general use or knowledge.
to form general principles, opinions, etc.
to deal, think, or speak in generalities.
to make general inferences.
Origin of generalize
1- Also especially British, gen·er·al·ise .
Other words from generalize
- gen·er·al·iz·a·ble, adjective
- gen·er·al·iz·er, noun
- non·gen·er·al·ized, adjective
- un·gen·er·al·ized, adjective
- un·gen·er·al·iz·ing, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use generalize in a sentence
I am generalizing — there are many things I loved at Storm King.
Sculpture parks are a great way to see art during a pandemic. Here’s why some are better than others. | Sebastian Smee | February 11, 2021 | Washington PostNotable among these was the concept of homology, which Poincaré introduced to generalize Riemann’s ideas to higher dimensions.
Of course we mustn’t generalize about what “people” thought—there was as much disagreement and debate as there is today—but anyone who studied the question realized immediately that the earth was round.
The Idea of the 'Dark Ages' Is a Myth. Here's Why Medieval Scientific Progress Still Matters | Seb Falk | November 17, 2020 | TimeSometimes generalizing makes it easier to write things without lots of qualifiers or lists to explain the exact parameters.
Perhaps that is warranted in this case, but there is peril in generalizing.
All sciences face the “problem of induction” or uncertainties that arise in generalizing from observations.
An illustration of the difficulty of generalizing when speaking of matters on the spirit-side just now occurs to me.
Beyond | Henry Seward HubbardMr Burnet is fearful lest the authority of Sir Joshua should induce a habit of generalizing too much.
It was the imagination and generalizing power of Karl Marx which brought these two movements into relationship.
The Outline of History: Being a Plain History of Life and Mankind | Herbert George WellsThese anecdotes exhibit but a slight exaggeration of the generalizing tendencies of many modern travellers.
How to Observe | Harriet Martineau"This is as it should be," he said, with an air of generalizing.
A Virginia Cousin & Bar Harbor Tales | Mrs Burton Harrison
British Dictionary definitions for generalize
generalise
/ (ˈdʒɛnrəˌlaɪz) /
to form (general principles or conclusions) from (detailed facts, experience, etc); infer
(intr) to think or speak in generalities, esp in a prejudiced way
(tr; usually passive) to cause to become widely used or known
(intr) (of a disease)
to spread throughout the body
to change from a localized infection or condition to a systemic one: generalized infection
Derived forms of generalize
- generalizer or generaliser, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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