generalize

verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz  ˈje-nə- 

generalized; generalizing

transitive verb

1

: to give a general form to

2

a

: to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars

b

: to draw a general conclusion from

3

: to give general applicability to

generalize a law

also : to make indefinite

intransitive verb

1

: to form generalizations

also : to make vague or indefinite statements

She's always generalizing about men.

2

: to spread or extend throughout the body

generalizability

ˌjen-rə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌje-nə-

noun

generalizable

ˌjen-rə-ˈlī-zə-bəl 

ˌje-nə-

adjective

generalizer noun

Examples of generalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

And because the participants were young adults, the results can’t be generalized to other age groups. —New Atlas, 28 Jan. 2025

Recently, by studying the basic ingredients of information processing, Still has managed to expand and generalize Szilard’s concept of an information engine. —Zack Savitsky, Quanta Magazine, 13 Dec. 2024

The introduction argues that feminism opened space for artists to confront corporeal experiences and oppression based in bodily difference, space to show us not generalized or idealized figures, but messy and personal ones instead. —Emily Watlington, ARTnews.com, 17 Jan. 2025

Knowing what to say during routine activities that are practiced every day is one thing, but generalizing word meanings to respond in new situations is a true demonstration of language proficiency & intelligence. —Lauren Leffer, Popular Science, 12 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

general entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Kids Definition

generalize

verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

generalized; generalizing

: to put in the form of a general rule : draw or state a general conclusion from a number of items or instances

Medical Definition

generalize

intransitive verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize

variants or British generalise

ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

generalized or British generalised; generalizing or British generalising

: to spread or extend through all of a body part or region or through most of the entire body