generally

American  

[jen-er-uh-lee] / ˈdʒɛn ər ə li /

adverb

1. usually; commonly; ordinarily.

   He generally comes home at noon.

   Antonyms:

   seldom

2. with respect to the larger part; for the most part.

   a generally accurate interpretation of the facts.

3. without reference to or disregarding particular persons, things, situations, etc., that may be an exception.

   generally speaking.

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generally British  

/ ˈdʒɛnrəlɪ /

adverb

1. usually; as a rule

2. commonly or widely

3. without reference to specific details or facts; broadly

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Related Words

See often.

Etymology

Origin of generally

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; general + -ly

Example Sentences

They were all shallow, guy-at-the-end-of-the-bar observations that generally reflected very little knowledge of the complexity of the issues and the potential ramifications.

From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026

The show is punchy but generally upbeat about technology and the people who make it.

From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026

Agriculture companies generally require an outsider to wear washed clothes they provide before working with livestock to avoid any contamination.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 7, 2026

His managers – generally – look at what he can do: Calm under pressure, strong in the tackle, good passing range, positional awareness, superb mentally, a leader in the dressing room.

From BBC • Apr. 7, 2026

TB programs in developing nations are generally underfunded, resulting in weak delivery systems for treatment and prevention.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

Related Words

• broadly
• commonly
• customarily
• largely
• mostly
• normally
• ordinarily
• publicly
• roughly
• typically
• universally
• usually
• widely