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

Consensus estimates generally place the event sometime in the 2030s, but Google expects Q-Day to arrive even sooner.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

International organizations work only if member states generally agree on core governing principles and are willing to put their military forces behind such principles.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 1, 2026

In her experience, Luna said, the building department has generally responded quickly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Investigations into individuals or corporations declined for prosecution are generally not reported to courts and usually only disclosed in summary form by the DOJ in annual reports.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

“I never in my life exchanged a word with any person on the subject,” he noted, “till I found my name brought forward generally, in competition with that of Mr. Adams.”

From "Founding Brothers: The Revolutionary Generation" by Joseph J. Ellis

Related Words

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