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

Despite that being a sweeping generalization and mischaracterization, this narrative was parroted by kids in the school yard and government officials alike. —Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 17 Sep. 2024

In an age of scalability and mass production, the idea that specificity can lead to generalization may seem counterintuitive. —Lara Devgan, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024

This extends to generalizations about food: vegetarians are coastal-dwelling, blue-state swells awash in kombucha; and the Republican Party is one of red meat and religion, especially in its MAGA guise. —Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024

Humans have relied on generalizations forever as a mental shortcut — and a way of running a business efficiently. —David Weinberger michele Zanini, Harvard Business Review, 29 July 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