Meaning & Definition of Generalize in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: To infer or draw a broad conclusion from specific instances.

  Example Sentence: From the study's findings, we can generalize that the treatment is effective for a majority of patients.

• Definition: To apply a rule or conclusion to a wider range of cases.

  Example Sentence: It's risky to generalize about the behavior of all teenagers based on a few examples.

• Definition: To form a general statement or concept.

  Example Sentence: He tends to generalize his experiences to imply a universal truth.

Etymology

Origin: Late 19th century: from general + -ize.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• generalize too much: To make overly broad statements that don't accurately represent the specifics.
• generalizing from examples: Drawing conclusions based on a limited number of instances.

Translations

• Spanish: generalizar

• French: généraliser

• German: verallgemeinern

• Russian: обобщать

Related Words

• general: related to or involving the majority or the total.

• specific: clearly defined or identified.

Slang Meanings of generalize

• Meaning: Throwing out a broad statement.

  Example Sentence: When you generalize about the group, you're throwing out a wide net.

• Meaning: Making assumptions based on stereotypes.

  Example Sentence: Don't generalize; not everyone fits that mold.