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 of generally

• usually
• normally
• typically

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

Stewart challenged Rumsfeld, but the conversation was generally cordial, and Stewart came to regret not pushing harder. —Jon Allsop, New Yorker, 13 Dec. 2025

Over time, construction costs of transmission lines are generally offset by lower-cost power, according to the regional grid operator spokesperson. —Madeline Heim, jsonline.com, 12 Dec. 2025

For example, HSAs are only available to people with high-deductible health plans, which generally carry high up-front costs for consumers before their insurance pays for care. —Greg Iacurci, CNBC, 12 Dec. 2025

Debt was also considered generally manageable, Mathews said, and credit card debt is considered affordable for most households. —Irene Wright, USA Today, 12 Dec. 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