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

Interest rates generally are higher compared with those that apply to new car loans, which can be especially costly for consumers with poor credit. —Sarah Agostino, CNBC, 17 Feb. 2026

Advertisement Hot, soapy water is generally sufficient for cleaning up everyday messes on kitchen countertops, cutting boards, and kitchen sinks, says Taylor Dunivin, a toxicologist with the Environmental Working Group, an environmental health nonprofit. —Jamie Friedlander Serrano, Time, 17 Feb. 2026

This tree generally does better in drier climates. —Madeline Buiano, Martha Stewart, 17 Feb. 2026

In the urbanized tier — generally the area south of Interstate 8 — infrastructure and public facilities capacity was, presumably, amply available. —Nico Calavita, San Diego Union-Tribune, 17 Feb. 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