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

Too often, people are unprepared and operate off generalizations during talent discussions. —Stephen Miles, Forbes, 9 Dec. 2024

Take the venerable New York Post, for instance, currently the leading publisher of horrified Gen Z generalizations. —Miles Klee, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024

However, the problem with these generalizations is that the economy is so huge that there are variations in many places. —Zain Jaffer, Rolling Stone, 21 Oct. 2024

The point of view has shifted but the temptation to speak in bulldozing generalizations—to dismiss entire populations as inherently backwards and violent—clings like a wet sock. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 18 June 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