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

The public debt generally is unsecured but it’s effectively backed by the BDC loan portfolios.

From Barron's • Apr. 4, 2026

This makes it a welcome passenger on lazy day trips or late-night drives, and a generally acceptable ambient addition to crowded good times.

From Salon • Apr. 4, 2026

Under the current law, travel approvals must generally be granted and it remains unclear how the rule would be enforced if breached.

From BBC • Apr. 4, 2026

Other reviews of Easter Lily have been generally favourable.

From BBC • Apr. 3, 2026

Servals sometimes raided chicken pens, but generally they avoided people.

From "A Girl Named Disaster" by Nancy Farmer

Related Words

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