generalize

verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz  ˈje-nə- 

generalized; generalizing

transitive verb

1

: to give a general form to

2

a

: to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars

b

: to draw a general conclusion from

3

: to give general applicability to

generalize a law

also : to make indefinite

intransitive verb

1

: to form generalizations

also : to make vague or indefinite statements

She's always generalizing about men.

2

: to spread or extend throughout the body

generalizability

ˌjen-rə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌje-nə-

noun

generalizable

ˌjen-rə-ˈlī-zə-bəl 

ˌje-nə-

adjective

generalizer noun

Examples of generalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Instead, the allegations are generalized and tied to group activity. —Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 3 Dec. 2024

To generalize about all these patterns, the gap between how Baldwin did and how Harris did was bigger in communities where Trump was either strong or where Trump made his biggest inroads in this election. —Craig Gilbert, Journal Sentinel, 21 Nov. 2024

While the sample is nationally representative at that level, the experiences of teens not in traditional school settings may not generalize. —Dario Sabaghi, Forbes, 29 Oct. 2024

Groups generalize essential properties of the whole numbers. —Leila Sloman, WIRED, 6 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

general entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

generalize

verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

generalized; generalizing

: to put in the form of a general rule : draw or state a general conclusion from a number of items or instances

Medical Definition

generalize

intransitive verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize

variants or British generalise

ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

generalized or British generalised; generalizing or British generalising

: to spread or extend through all of a body part or region or through most of the entire body