generality

[ jen-uh-ral-i-tee ]

/ ˌdʒɛn əˈræl ɪ ti /

an indefinite, unspecific, or undetailed statement: to speak in generalities about human rights.

a general principle, rule, or law.

the greater part or majority: the generality of people.

the state or quality of being general.

Origin of generality

1400–50; late Middle English generalite < Latin generālitās. See general, -ity

1 truism, cliché, platitude, banality.

The public should know how particular surveillance programs work, at least at a high level of generality.

The Secret FISA Court Must Go |Jennifer Granick, Christopher Sprigman |July 24, 2013 |DAILY BEAST
THE generality of naturalists are of opinion that the perfume called civet, or musk, is furnished only by one species of animals.

Buffon's Natural History. Volume VII (of 10) |Georges Louis Leclerc de Buffon
This, according to the generality of writers, is the only stain upon his character.

Life of Sir William Wallace of Elderslie, Vol, II (of II) |John D. Carrick
But how froward, how hasty, how peevish, and self-resolved are the generality of professors at this day!

The Heavenly Footman |John Bunyan

Cherries and the generality of plums succeed very well either on an east or a west aspect.

Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 13, Slice 7 |Various
One has the generality of a primary law, though it is proved only by Agreement, namely, 'All gravitating bodies are inert'.

Logic |Carveth Read

generality

/ (ˌdʒɛnəˈrælɪtɪ) /

a principle or observation having general application, esp when imprecise or unable to be proved

the state or quality of being general

archaic the majority