generalize

verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz  ˈje-nə- 

generalized; generalizing

transitive verb

1

: to give a general form to

2

a

: to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars

b

: to draw a general conclusion from

3

: to give general applicability to

generalize a law

also : to make indefinite

intransitive verb

1

: to form generalizations

also : to make vague or indefinite statements

She's always generalizing about men.

2

: to spread or extend throughout the body

generalizability

ˌjen-rə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē 

ˌje-nə-

noun

generalizable

ˌjen-rə-ˈlī-zə-bəl 

ˌje-nə-

adjective

generalizer noun

Examples of generalize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In a sense, the AI is statistically going to generalize on wedding speeches and tend toward a kind of ho-hum common ground. —Lance Eliot, Forbes.com, 17 May 2025

The actual cause of that increase isn't known and the researchers cautioned their findings can't be generalized to a wider population because other factors, such as socio-economic status, might be playing a role. —Elizabeth Weise, USA Today, 13 May 2025

When trained on diverse conditions, these models can generalize from one farm to another or from one crop type to many, enabling robots to operate in unfamiliar yet related environments. —Ashutosh Saxena, Forbes.com, 5 May 2025

Repeat questions to show attention and generalize your response. —Martin Zwilling, Forbes.com, 24 Apr. 2025

Word History

Etymology

general entry 1 + -ize

First Known Use

1710, in the meaning defined at transitive sense 1

Rhymes for generalize

• actualize
• antagonize
• apologise
• apologize
• capitalize
• categorize
• characterize
• commercialize
• conceptualize
• contrariwise
• criminalize
• decentralize

Kids Definition

generalize

verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

generalized; generalizing

: to put in the form of a general rule : draw or state a general conclusion from a number of items or instances

Medical Definition

generalize

intransitive verb

gen·​er·​al·​ize

variants or British generalise

ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz 

generalized or British generalised; generalizing or British generalising

: to spread or extend through all of a body part or region or through most of the entire body