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

Yes, there are bad actors—but generalizing and writing off entire communities is unfair. —Mayu Saini, Sourcing Journal, 25 June 2025

Establishing this chain of events to help the child’s skills generalize beyond the clinic room, aiding them to adapt to their dynamic environment and thrive independently. —Malana Vantyler, USA Today, 21 June 2025

Newer models generalize well enough that expensive actions like fine-tuning are no longer necessary. —Roshan Pawar, Forbes.com, 17 June 2025

Today, movies and TV intended for the biggest audience possible often water down their storytelling and generalize in order to avoid anything that might challenge, frighten or unsettle the audience. —Alissa Wilkinson, New York Times, 30 May 2025

Word History

Etymology

general entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for generalize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

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