generalization

gen·er·al·i·za·tion

noun \ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən, ˌje-nə-\

Definition of GENERALIZATION

1

: the act or process of generalizing

2

: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition

3

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

Examples of GENERALIZATION

1. He made several sweeping generalizations about women.
2. She was prone to generalization.

First Known Use of GENERALIZATION

1761

Related to GENERALIZATION

Synonyms: concept, conception, generality, notion, stereotype

Related Words: bromide, cliché (also cliche), commonplace, platitude, truism; adage, proverb, saw, saying; hypothesis, proposition, theory; oversimplification, simplification, simplism

[+]more[-]hide

Rhymes with GENERALIZATION

characterization, circumnavigation, commercialization, criminalization, cross-examination, de-Stalinization, decentralization, declassification, decontamination, dehumanization, demystification, deterioration, differentiation, disassociation, disorientation, disorganization, disqualification, diversification, electrification, excommunication, exemplification, experimentation, extemporization, externalization, homogenization, hospitalization, hyperventilation, idealization, identification, indemnification, indetermination, indiscrimination, individuation, insubordination, intensification, intermediation, italicization, masculinization, megacorporation, militarization, miniaturization, misappropriation, miscommunication, misinterpretation, misrepresentation, monopolization, nonproliferation, overcompensation, overpopulation, personification, popularization, predetermination, ratiocination, rationalization, recapitulation, reconciliation, reconsideration, rehabilitation, reinterpretation, reorganization, revitalization, secularization, solidification, tintinnabulation, transubstantiation, underestimation, undervaluation, visualization