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 Sweeping generalizations have been made by people such as Charles Barkley, LeBron James and Stephen A. Smith. Shakeia Taylor, Chicago Tribune, 4 June 2024 Instead, some of these men fall for the jig way too easily and are the first to pick up a microphone and say anything, not thinking about how their generalizations impact Black women. Victoria Uwumarogie, Essence, 3 June 2024 Not only is there currently no basis for seeing it otherwise, but the resulting pseudoscientific generalizations could be downright dangerous. Ross Perlin, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024 Her work resists generalization — Manzoor resists it, too. Alexis Soloski, New York Times, 26 May 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 15 Jun. 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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