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
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
While such generalizations have historically been used to demonize enemies, there is still a contrived tendency to divide the world into land and sea powers. Colin Flint, The Conversation, 3 Oct. 2024 But the way that we’re conditioned – and this is speaking in a generalization – diminishing or holding back is such a woman thing to do. Carita Rizzo, Variety, 18 Oct. 2024 Susan Parks, a biology professor at Syracuse University who has published studies on whales’ eating habits but was not involved in the new research, said documenting diversity among one whale species helps scientists avoid inaccurate generalizations. Randi Richardson, NBC News, 1 Oct. 2024 Depth and Context Another key giveaway in AI writing can be lack of detail, vagueness or over generalizations. Tor Constantino, Mba, Forbes, 20 Sep. 2024 See all Example Sentences for generalization 

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 13 Nov. 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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