generalize

Alternative formsEdit

• generalise (non-Oxford British spelling)

EtymologyEdit

general +‎ -ize

VerbEdit

generalize (third-person singular simple present generalizes, present participle generalizing, simple past and past participle generalized)

1. To speak in generalities, or in vague terms.
2. To infer or induce from specific cases to more general cases or principles.
   • W. Nicholson

     Copernicus generalized the celestial motions by merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton generalized them still more by referring this last to the motion of a stone through the air.

3. To spread throughout the body and become systemic.
4. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars.
   • Coleridge

     A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.

AntonymsEdit

• specialize

Derived termsEdit

• generalizable, generalisable
• generalizability, generalisability
• generalization, generalisation
• generalizer, generaliser
• generalist

Related termsEdit

• general

TranslationsEdit

VerbEdit

generalize

1. first-person singular present subjunctive of generalizar
2. third-person singular present subjunctive of generalizar
3. first-person singular imperative of generalizar
4. third-person singular imperative of generalizar