Translate text 
Translate files Generalization
/ˌdʒɛnərəlɪˈzeɪʃən/
Meaning & Definition
noun
A general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases.
The generalization that all birds can fly is not accurate, as some birds, like ostriches and penguins, cannot.
The act of forming general concepts by abstracting common properties of instances.
In her research, she made a generalization about patient behavior based on her observations.
A broad statement or idea that applies to many situations.
His generalization about the workforce overlooked the diversity of skills and backgrounds.
Etymology
From the late Latin 'generalizatio', from 'generalizare', meaning to make general.
Common Phrases and Expressions
generalization error:
A mistake made by applying a general rule to a specific case where it does not apply.
hasty generalization:
A fallacy in which a conclusion is drawn from insufficient evidence.
overgeneralization:
The act of making a general statement that is too broad and does not account for exceptions.
Related Words
Slang Meanings
Going off on a tangent
Don't generalize, you're going off on a tangent!
Making broad strokes
He's making broad strokes when he generalizes about that group.