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

In finance, when a market crash occurs, investors become structurally risk averse, run for safe assets and generally retract positions. —Mike O'Sullivan, Forbes, 30 Nov. 2024

Finally, plants generally do not need fertilized over the winter when growth slows, says Trejo. —Arricca Elin Sansone, Southern Living, 30 Nov. 2024

The trade organization is also projecting a 3 percent to 3.5 percent retail sales gains this holiday season, which is consistent with projections from other research organizations and retail analysts, generally forecasting 2 to 4 percent gains. —David Moin, WWD, 29 Nov. 2024

They also are reminded to buckle up, put their phones down, move over, and generally just be kind. —Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 29 Nov. 2024

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