Generalize

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Generalize

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

verb

Pronunciation

JEN-er-ul-ize  /ˈdʒɛn(ə)r(ə)lʌɪz/

Definition

To make a general or broad statement by inferring from specific cases; to apply a general principle to new situations; to make widely applicable; in medicine, of a condition: to spread beyond its original site.

Plain meaning

To generalize means to draw a broad conclusion from specific examples — or to make something broadly applicable. In medicine, a localized disease that generalizes has spread to the whole body.

Register

Standard across academic, scientific, and everyday usage. Neutral in scientific contexts. Slightly critical in everyday usage — you're generalizing — implying oversimplification.