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

As part of its tax-exempt status, the foundation is prohibited from endorsing political candidates and, generally, must be nonpartisan in its activities. —Bill Barrow, Fortune, 25 Oct. 2025

This cultural diversity, coupled with the fact that the continent is generally well connected and easy to travel around, is why a European trip is usually high on most people’s bucket lists. —Asia London Palomba, Travel + Leisure, 25 Oct. 2025

The Raptors crowd, generally decked out in red, black, gold, purple, white and some of the other colours the Raptors have featured over the years, sported far more blue than usual on Friday. —Eric Koreen, New York Times, 25 Oct. 2025

Fences help quell cemetery misadventures At night, things are generally quiet in the cemeteries, according to Helen Fisicaro, a Colma city council member and former mayor who has lived in town since the 1970s. —Chris Kenning, USA Today, 25 Oct. 2025

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