glittering generality

American  

[glit-er-ing jen-uh-ral-i-tee] / ˈglɪt ər ɪŋ ˌdʒɛn əˈræl ɪ ti /

noun

1. a word or phrase that is used primarily to appeal to a person's emotions and values.

   They used glittering generalities like “freedom,” “civilization,” and “democracy” to boost support for the movement without talking about how to achieve those lofty goals.

---

Etymology

Origin of glittering generality

First recorded in 1845–50

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

glittering generality

It looked to no glittering generality for its reward, such as the soul s 'highest good much talked of in the philosophy of that time.

From Eben Holden, a tale of the north country by Irving Bacheller

Feeling small, at best, is a kind of glittering generality.

From The Voice of the Machines An Introduction to the Twentieth Century by Gerald Stanley Lee

To interrogate a glittering generality is to slur its projector; she wished her hearers to be dazzled, not moved to the impertinence of cross-examination.

From The Second Generation by David Graham Phillips

At that time the language of our friend was but a glittering generality, for there were very many who could not be styled sovereigns in any sense of the term.

From History of Woman Suffrage, Volume II by Elizabeth Cady Stanton

You might as well think of loving a glittering generality like "the American woman."

From Little Rivers; a book of essays in profitable idleness by Henry Van Dyke

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---