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

• commonly
• natch [slang]
• naturally
• normally
• ordinarily
• typically
• usually

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

But adult-only events generally require some advance planning so the parents can coordinate child care. —Emily Siner, NPR, 10 May 2025

There is only one generation, and feeding is generally finished by late June. —Pamm Cooper, Hartford Courant, 10 May 2025

For those without a coveted wedding invite, however, Cedar Lakes Estate opens as a hotel in the winter (generally, December until late April). —Alisha Prakash, Travel + Leisure, 11 May 2025

Reflexes are generally good and the bats still have some pop in them, for the most part, especially for players closer to 50 than 80. —Steve Lopez, Los Angeles Times, 11 May 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