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

Dudamel’s approach was not, as his Beethoven has generally become, filled with fervent intensity in the moment. —Classical Music Critic, Los Angeles Times, 25 Feb. 2026

Assault weapons are generally described as weapons originally designed for military or police use with a large ammunition capacity. —Alex Derosier, Twin Cities, 24 Feb. 2026

Cluely’s offices were in a generally disheveled corner of the city, crouching near an elevated freeway. —Sam Kriss, Harpers Magazine, 24 Feb. 2026

These strangers also would not know what, if any, additional health care costs and other bills the Dane and Van Der Beek families may be left to pay, even if both actors had savings and generally good health care coverage through SAG-AFTRA. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 24 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