generalization

noun

gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən  ˌje-nə- 

1

: the act or process of generalizing

2

: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition

made broad generalizations about women

3

: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus

Synonyms

• concept
• conception
• generality
• notion
• stereotype

Examples of generalization in a Sentence

He made several sweeping generalizations about women.

She was prone to generalization.

Recent Examples on the Web

Such generalizations, of course, are necessarily built on a small sample size. —Joseph Thorndike, Forbes, 4 Nov. 2024

Between the lines: The highly unusual state report was heavy on generalizations and light on data, the Times reported. —Kathryn Varn, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

But stubborn real-life exceptions always prevented the formation of any ironclad socioeconomic generalization about fertility decline. —Nicholas Eberstadt, Foreign Affairs, 10 Oct. 2024

While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers. —Colin Flint, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

generalize + -ation

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

generalization

noun

gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the act or process of generalizing

2

: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition

Medical Definition

generalization

noun

gen·​er·​al·​iza·​tion

variants or British generalisation

ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən 

1

: the action or process of becoming widespread or diffuse

secondary generalization of a partial seizure

2

: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus