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

• commonly
• natch [slang]
• naturally
• normally
• ordinarily
• typically
• usually

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

The latter are generally official work obligations that individuals are assigned or request. —Liz Guthridge, Forbes, 23 Jan. 2025

In terms of cancer, a more supportive—and practical—approach is to up your intake of fruits and vegetables generally (as well as other plant foods like legumes and whole grains), according to the American Cancer Society. —Erica Sloan, SELF, 23 Jan. 2025

But behind the team logos and fan tribalism, there’s generally an organization worth hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars. —Shaun Goodwin, Idaho Statesman, 23 Jan. 2025

Most units destroyed appear to be single-family homes, and experts said that generally the upward pressure on rent should grow more muted as homes get both smaller in size and farther from the fires. —Andrew Khouri, Los Angeles Times, 23 Jan. 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