generally

adverb

gen·​er·​al·​ly ˈjen-rə-lē 

ˈje-nə-,

ˈje-nər-lē

: in a general manner: such as

a

: in disregard of specific instances and with regard to an overall picture

generally speaking

b

: as a rule : usually

Synonyms

• usually
• normally
• typically

Examples of generally in a Sentence

He talked generally about his plans.

I had a generally good day.

It generally takes about a month for the shipment to arrive.

When stocks are up, bonds are generally down.

This town is generally regarded as a good place to raise kids.

Recent Examples on the Web

More generally, the Nepalese public criticized the government’s measures disproportionate impact on ordinary users. —Nir Kshetri, The Conversation, 14 Sep. 2025

Cities would also generally be prevented from imposing height and density limits based on how close a development is near a transit stop. —Stephen Hobbs, Sacbee.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Otherwise, crape myrtles are generally considered pest- and disease-free. —Joshua Siskin, Oc Register, 13 Sep. 2025

The heft of batteries means EVs are generally a few hundred kilograms heavier than their fossil fuel equivalents. —James Morris, Forbes.com, 13 Sep. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing generally

• generally speaking

Kids Definition

generally

adverb

gen·​er·​al·​ly ˈjen-(ə-)rə-lē 

ˈjen-ər-lē

1

: for the most part

generally speaking

2

: as a rule : usually