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

In North Carolina, for example, infant classrooms generally require one teacher for every five babies. —Théoden Janes, Charlotte Observer, 11 June 2026

For example, the prescription offered by those who saw a generally healthy way of life as the right way to prevent disease helped propel cleaning up the filthy cities of the Industrial Revolution—and that really did reduce the impact of common fevers. —Literary Hub, 11 June 2026

According to the American Kennel Club, temperatures around 70 degrees are generally comfortable for outdoor walks and playtime. —Sacbee.com, 10 June 2026

But because higher rates generally make borrowing more expensive, costs can add up for highly indebted households or those that carrying several different types of debt. —Mike Winters, CNBC, 10 June 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