American English

How to pronounce generalizes

verbB2
JEHneruhlaizihz

/ˈʤɛ.nɚ.ə.ˌlaɪ.zɪz/

5 syllables · Stress the first syllable.

Related entry: generalize

to make a broad statement about a group or situation, often from only a few examples

Practice out loud

Meanings & examples

verb

to make a broad statement about a group or situation, often from only a few examples

Don't generalize from one rude customer.

She generalized about the whole neighborhood after one bad experience.

Good to know

This word often sounds critical when someone reaches a broad conclusion from too little information.

Common phrases & grammar

generalize too quickly · generalize from limited evidence · generalize about people

generalize from + one example

generalize about + a group

verb

to make a rule, idea, or result apply to more people, situations, or cases

The researchers generalized the results to a larger group.

This finding cannot be generalized to every patient.

Common phrases & grammar

generalize the findings · generalize the results to other groups · generalize to new situations

generalize + the results + to + a larger group

be generalized to + other cases

Related words & forms

Before -ing, the final -e disappears: generalizing. For he, she, or it, use generalizes.