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
Synonym Usage
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.
“Quality has become synonymous with potential AI disruption,” he said — explaining that AI is generally viewed as having the potential power to destroy the competitive “business moat” associated with quality companies.
From MarketWatch • Jul. 5, 2026
Arango said it is generally strength of character and a desire to investigate.
From Barron's • Jul. 5, 2026
While standard posts are not generally checked by Meta's technology until they are published, Meta says every advert is reviewed before being allowed on its platforms.
From BBC • Jul. 3, 2026
He would ask advisers how to respond to Trump’s taunts online and generally decided to avoid them entirely.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jul. 3, 2026
The final section of this course does include a few challenges that are generally not considered "beginner level" musicianship, but are very useful in just about every field and genre of music.
From "Understanding Basic Music Theory" by Catherine Schmidt-Jones and Russel Jones
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.
