generalize: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal/Academic
Quick answer
What does “generalize” mean?
To make a broad statement or draw a general conclusion from specific cases.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To make a broad statement or draw a general conclusion from specific cases.
1. To spread or extend the application of a theory, method, or idea to a wider range of situations. 2. To consider or represent (something) in general terms without attention to detail.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor spelling difference: UK 'generalise' vs US 'generalize'. The '-ize' suffix is standard in American English, while UK English accepts both '-ise' and '-ize', with '-ise' being more common in non-technical contexts.
Connotations
Identical in meaning and typical usage. The negative connotation of 'oversimplifying' is present in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both varieties, with slightly higher frequency in academic and scientific American English.
Grammar
How to Use “generalize” in a Sentence
SVO: [Researcher] + generalized + [the findings].SV + PP (from): [You] + cannot + generalize + from + [a single case].SV + PP (about): [It's unwise] + to generalize + about + [an entire generation].SV + PP (to): [The principle] + can be generalized + to + [other contexts].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “generalize” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- It is risky to generalise from such a small sample size.
- The author tends to generalise about cultural attitudes.
American English
- You shouldn't generalize about a whole state from one person you met.
- Researchers hope to generalize these results to the broader population.
adverb
British English
- N/A (The adverb is 'generally', not directly 'generalize-ly')
American English
- N/A (The adverb is 'generally', not directly 'generalize-ly')
adjective
British English
- N/A (The adjective is 'general', not derived from 'generalize')
American English
- N/A (The adjective is 'general', not derived from 'generalize')
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used when applying a successful strategy from one market to another, or when making broad assumptions about consumer behavior.
Academic
Crucial term in research methodology, referring to the extent to which study results can be applied to other populations or settings.
Everyday
Often used critically: 'You can't generalize about people from one bad experience.'
Technical
In mathematics/logic: to form a general proposition, theorem, or principle from specific instances. In machine learning: a model's ability to perform well on new, unseen data.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “generalize”
Strong
Neutral
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “generalize”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “generalize”
- Using 'generalize' without a necessary preposition: *'He generalized the data.' (Better: 'He generalized from the data' or 'He generalized the findings.')
- Confusing 'generalize' with 'summarize'. A summary condenses; a generalization draws a broader principle.
- Misspelling: 'generalise' is acceptable in UK English, but 'generalize' is the standard form in academic publishing worldwide.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Generalization is a fundamental cognitive tool and a key goal of science—to find general principles from specific data. It becomes problematic (a 'hasty generalization') when done without sufficient evidence or when ignoring important exceptions.
To 'generalize' is to form a general rule from specifics. To 'assume' is to take something for granted without proof. You might *assume* your experience is typical, and then *generalize* from it.
Yes, particularly in academic and scientific contexts. 'The success of the treatment allows us to generalize the method to clinical practice' is a positive use, indicating useful broader application.
The primary noun is 'generalization' (or 'generalisation'). Example: 'Making sweeping generalizations is rarely accurate.'
To make a broad statement or draw a general conclusion from specific cases.
Generalize is usually formal/academic in register.
Generalize: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒenrəlaɪz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒenrəlaɪz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “To paint with a broad brush (related concept)”
- “To tar everyone with the same brush (negative generalization)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GENERAL wearing I's (eyes) and Z's (zees). A GENERAL I-Z-es (generalizes) the specific reports from the battlefield into one overall strategy.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/UNDERSTANDING IS A NET. To generalize is to cast a wider net to catch more (instances), but the mesh may become too loose to catch specific details.
Practice
Quiz
In scientific writing, which phrase is most critical when discussing the application of results?