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

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.

Example Sentences

The Madison deal will be a test of investor demand for a roll-up, since such companies generally are valued at a discount to companies that primarily grow internally.

From Barron's • Apr. 15, 2026

Alternatively, withdrawing from retirement accounts would generally be taxed as ordinary income, potentially at higher marginal rates depending on your tax bracket.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 15, 2026

And it dealt generally with the problem of succession and stability and continuity in government.

From Slate • Apr. 15, 2026

She explains that because butterflies are cold-blooded insects, they generally thrive in warmer conditions.

From BBC • Apr. 14, 2026

And, generally, people whose lives were going great—NFL quarterbacks, rock stars, famous actors and actresses, genius scientists—generally, they didn’t give up their kids for adoption.

From "Found" by Margaret Peterson Haddix

Related Words

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