Generalize - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

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SKIP TO CONTENT generalize /ˌdʒɛnərəˈlaɪz/ /ˈdʒɛnərəlaɪz/ IPA guide

Other forms: generalized; generalizing; generalizes

To generalize is to use specific examples to make broader points. Generalizing makes large points, though they aren't always necessarily true.

When someone says "in general" they're talking about what things are like in the big picture or overall. Similarly, generalizing takes small examples and uses them to make bigger points. Saying that all teens are selfish because you know a few selfish teens is generalizing. Saying all adults are uptight is an example of generalizing. Unfortunately, generalizing can be dangerous. Stereotyping is a form of generalizing. Sometimes it’s better to stick to specific examples and to avoid generalizing.

Definitions of generalize

verb draw from specific cases for more general cases synonyms: extrapolate, generalise, infer see moresee less types: overgeneralise, overgeneralize draw too general a conclusion universalise, universalize make universal type of: conclude, reason, reason out decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion
verb speak or write in generalities synonyms: generalise see moresee less antonyms: specify be specific about type of: mouth, speak, talk, utter, verbalise, verbalize express in speech
verb cater to popular taste to make popular and present to the general public; bring into general or common use synonyms: generalise, popularise, popularize, vulgarise, vulgarize popularise, popularize make understandable to the general public see moresee less type of: broadcast, circularise, circularize, circulate, diffuse, disperse, disseminate, distribute, pass around, propagate, spread cause to become widely known
verb become systemic and spread throughout the body “this kind of infection generalizes throughout the immune system” synonyms: generalise see moresee less type of: distribute, spread distribute or disperse widely

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Vocabulary lists containing generalize

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