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

With PPOs — preferred provider organizations — people are generally allowed to see medical providers outside their networks, although those visits will cost more. —Liz Weston, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Feb. 2025

These navigators locate long-term treatment programs, follow up on prescriptions, connect patients with the correct doctors for their other health problems, remind patients about appointments and generally try to keep them engaged in their own care. —Moises Velasquez-Manoff Robert Petkoff Emma Kehlbeck Zak Mouton, New York Times, 16 Feb. 2025

While not all cities’ bus rapid transit lines are the same, the systems are generally defined by several key characteristics: ► Dedicated, bus-only lanes in the center of the roadway. —Elliott Wenzler, The Denver Post, 16 Feb. 2025

Idaho dairy farmers employ thousands of workers, many of them foreign born and undocumented, and are generally opposed to mandatory E-Verify. —Rachel Spacek, Idaho Statesman, 16 Feb. 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