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

Hope is generally a good thing. —Amanda McCracken, SELF, 3 Feb. 2026

Budget staff projected only modest annual revenue growth, generally about 1% to 2%. —Nora O'Neill, Charlotte Observer, 3 Feb. 2026

Flares of this magnitude in and around solar maximum are generally not common, though not unusual. —Michelle Del Rey, USA Today, 3 Feb. 2026

Nuzzo and Adams generally agree that the recent state and regional public health efforts have some strengths. —Lauren J. Young, Scientific American, 3 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