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

However, relief is generally cheaper to acquire than, say, a mid-rotation arm. —Dennis Lin, New York Times, 21 May 2026

And while astronauts are generally incredibly capable and talented, NASA's astronauts aren't amazing photographers by accident. —Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 20 May 2026

Black bears generally avoid conflict. —Eva Flowe may 20, Charlotte Observer, 20 May 2026

Days like these — shorts, no pads, no contact — generally favor smaller, quicker players, but Branch stood out. —Tyler Estep, AJC.com, 20 May 2026

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