generalization

noun

gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce generalization (audio) ˌje-nə- How to pronounce generalization (audio)
1
: the act or process of generalizing
2
: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition
made broad generalizations about women
3
: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus

Examples of generalization in a Sentence

He made several sweeping generalizations about women. She was prone to generalization.
Recent Examples on the Web Despite that being a sweeping generalization and mischaracterization, this narrative was parroted by kids in the school yard and government officials alike. Brea Baker, refinery29.com, 17 Sep. 2024 In an age of scalability and mass production, the idea that specificity can lead to generalization may seem counterintuitive. Lara Devgan, Forbes, 5 Sep. 2024 This extends to generalizations about food: vegetarians are coastal-dwelling, blue-state swells awash in kombucha; and the Republican Party is one of red meat and religion, especially in its MAGA guise. Daniel Miller, Los Angeles Times, 13 Aug. 2024 Humans have relied on generalizations forever as a mental shortcut — and a way of running a business efficiently. David Weinberger michele Zanini, Harvard Business Review, 29 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for generalization 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'generalization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

generalize + -ation

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalization was in 1761

Dictionary Entries Near generalization

Cite this Entry

“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalization. Accessed 12 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

generalization

noun
gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce generalization (audio)
1
: the act or process of generalizing
2
: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition

Medical Definition

generalization

noun
gen·​er·​al·​iza·​tion
variants or British generalisation
1
: the action or process of becoming widespread or diffuse
secondary generalization of a partial seizure
2
: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus

More from Merriam-Webster on generalization

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