generally
Americanadverb
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usually; commonly; ordinarily.
He generally comes home at noon.
- Antonyms:
- seldom
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with respect to the larger part; for the most part.
a generally accurate interpretation of the facts.
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without reference to or disregarding particular persons, things, situations, etc., that may be an exception.
generally speaking.
adverb
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usually; as a rule
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commonly or widely
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without reference to specific details or facts; broadly
Related Words
See often.
Etymology
Origin of generally
Explanation
Generally means "usually" or "broadly." If something is generally true, it is usually true. If you generally dislike birthday celebrations, don’t be mad when no one throws you a party. If something is right generally, then it's right most of the time, though perhaps not in every case. Generally, dogs are more playful than cats. Generally, young people are healthier than old people. Generally, people like music. This word is handy when you need to say something that is true for most, but not all, people or things. This word helps you to generalize.
Vocabulary lists containing generally
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Entering the UK without permission is an offence under immigration law, but asylum seekers are generally not prosecuted if they claim asylum on arrival.
From BBC • May 21, 2026
The U.S. luxury market is generally stronger than Europe’s and its consumers are less affected by price inflation, but the Paul Smith brand isn’t well known, Morningstar analyst David Swartz said.
From The Wall Street Journal • May 21, 2026
Insurers generally aren’t paying for the tests or treatments offered in response to their results.
From Barron's • May 21, 2026
From several centimeters to several meters, this flooding is generally characterized by several waves, and the first waves are not necessarily the largest.
From Science Daily • May 21, 2026
“Do you like him? Is he generally liked?”
From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
