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 of generally

• usually
• normally
• typically

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

Federal rules generally require more credentials and inspections for boats carrying more than six passengers for hire. — Martin Goillandeau, CNN Money, 20 Aug. 2026

The federal law generally prohibits schools that receive federal education funding from disclosing personally identifiable information from a student's education records without a parent's or guardian's consent, except in limited circumstances. — Adam Thompson, CBS News, 20 Aug. 2026

The underlying pathology begins years before symptoms become apparent, and once symptomatic disease develops, cognitive problems generally continue to progress. — Lauryn Higgins, Flow Space, 19 Aug. 2026

The distance covered by regular Premier League starters can vary by almost four kilometres per 90 minutes according to position and role, with midfielders generally covering more ground than centre-backs or centre-forwards. — Amelie Claydon, New York Times, 19 Aug. 2026

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