generalize

/ˌdʒɛnərəˈlaɪz/

/ˈdʒɛnərəlaɪz/

Other forms: generalized; generalizing; generalizes

To generalize is to use specific examples to make broader points. Generalizing makes large points, though they aren't always necessarily true.

When someone says "in general" they're talking about what things are like in the big picture or overall. Similarly, generalizing takes small examples and uses them to make bigger points. Saying that all teens are selfish because you know a few selfish teens is generalizing. Saying all adults are uptight is an example of generalizing. Unfortunately, generalizing can be dangerous. Stereotyping is a form of generalizing. Sometimes it’s better to stick to specific examples and to avoid generalizing.

Definitions of generalize

1. verb

   draw from specific cases for more general cases
   synonyms: extrapolate, generalise, infer

   types:

   overgeneralise, overgeneralize

   draw too general a conclusion

   universalise, universalize

   make universal

   type of:

   conclude, reason, reason out

   decide by reasoning; draw or come to a conclusion
2. verb

   speak or write in generalities
   synonyms: generalise

   antonyms:

   specify

   be specific about

   type of:

   mouth, speak, talk, utter, verbalise, verbalize

   express in speech
3. verb

   cater to popular taste to make popular and present to the general public; bring into general or common use
   synonyms: generalise, popularise, popularize, vulgarise, vulgarize

   popularise, popularize

   make understandable to the general public

   type of:

   broadcast, circularise, circularize, circulate, diffuse, disperse, disseminate, distribute, pass around, propagate, spread

   cause to become widely known
4. verb

   become systemic and spread throughout the body
   “this kind of infection generalizes throughout the immune system”

   synonyms: generalise

   type of:

   distribute, spread

   distribute or disperse widely