Dictionary
generalize
verb gen·er·al·ize \ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz, ˈje-nə-\
: to make a general statement or form a general opinion; especially : to state an opinion about a larger group that is based on a smaller number of people or things within that group
: to apply (something specific, such as a theory or rule) to larger group
gen·er·al·izedgen·er·al·iz·ing
Full Definition of GENERALIZE
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
2
: to spread or extend throughout the body
— gen·er·al·iz·abil·i·ty \ˌjen-rə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌje-nə-\ noun
— gen·er·al·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
— gen·er·al·iz·er noun
See generalize defined for English-language learners
See generalize defined for kids
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First Known Use of GENERALIZE
circa 1751
Rhymes with GENERALIZE
accessorize, acclimatize, actualize, aerobicize, aestheticize, Africanize, allegorize, alphabetize, analogize, anatomize, anesthetize, animalize, annualize, antagonize, anthologize, anticlockwise, apologize, apostatize, apostrophize, arabicize, aromatize, automatize, bureaucratize, cannibalize, capitalize, categorize, catheterize, catholicize, characterize, collectivize, commercialize, commoditize, communalize, computerize, conservatize, containerize, contrariwise, conveyorize, cosmeticize, counterclockwise, criminalize, cross-fertilize, cut down to size, decentralize, decolonize, de-emphasize, de-energize, defeminize, deformalize, deglamorize, dehumanize, deionize, demagnetize, demobilize, democratize, demoralize, denationalize, deodorize, depersonalize, depolarize, depressurize, desensitize, destabilize, destigmatize, detribalize, devitalize, diabolize, digitalize, disenfranchise, disorganize, economize, emblematize, emotionalize, epitomize, epoxidize, eroticize, eternalize, evangelize, extemporize, externalize, familiarize, fanaticize, fictionalize, floor exercise, fool's paradise, formularize, free enterprise, gelatinize, geologize, Hispanicize, historicize, homogenize, hospitalize, hypothesize, idealize, illegalize, immobilize, immortalize, impersonalize, Indianize, indigenize, infantilize, initialize, internalize, italicize, legitimize, liberalize, literalize, lobotomize, lysogenize, macadamize, marginalize, metabolize, metastasize, militarize, mineralize, monopolize, mythologize, nationalize, naturalize, parenthesize, philosophize, poeticize, politicize, popularize, prioritize, proselytize, radicalize, reorganize, revitalize, ritualize, romanticize, secularize, self-fertilize, sensualize, sexualize, sovietize, subjectivize, suburbanize, subvocalize, systematize, temporalize, theologize, traditionalize, trivialize, ventriloquize, visualize
GENERALIZER Defined for Kids
generalize
verb gen·er·al·ize \ˈje-nə-rə-ˌlīz, ˈjen-rə-\
gen·er·al·izedgen·er·al·iz·ing
Definition of GENERALIZE for Kids
: to draw or state a general conclusion from a number of different items or instances <Don't generalize about science fiction after reading only one book.>
Medical Dictionary
generalize
intransitive verb gen·er·al·ize
gen·er·al·ized or British gen·er·al·isedgen·er·al·iz·ing or British gen·er·al·is·ing
Medical Definition of GENERALIZE
: to spread or extend throughout the body <generalized paralysis>
Variants of GENERALIZE
gen·er·al·ize or British gen·er·al·ise \ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz\
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