generalize

[ jen-er-uh-lahyz ]
/ ˈdʒɛn ər əˌlaɪz /

verb (used with object), gen·er·al·ized, gen·er·al·iz·ing.

to infer (a general principle, trend, etc.) from particular facts, statistics, or the like.
to infer or form (a general principle, opinion, conclusion, etc.) from only a few facts, examples, or the like.
to give a general rather than a specific or special character or form to.
to make general; bring into general use or knowledge.

verb (used without object), gen·er·al·ized, gen·er·al·iz·ing.

Also especially British, gen·er·al·ise.

Origin of generalize

First recorded in 1745–55; general + -ize

OTHER WORDS FROM generalize

Example sentences from the Web for generalized

British Dictionary definitions for generalized

generalize

generalise

/ (ˈdʒɛnrəˌlaɪz) /

verb

to form (general principles or conclusions) from (detailed facts, experience, etc); infer
(intr) to think or speak in generalities, esp in a prejudiced way
(tr; usually passive) to cause to become widely used or known
(intr) (of a disease)
  1. to spread throughout the body
  2. to change from a localized infection or condition to a systemic onegeneralized infection

Derived forms of generalize

generalizer or generaliser, noun

Medical definitions for generalized (1 of 2)

generalized
[ jĕnər-ə-līzd′ ]

adj.

Involving an entire organ, as when an epileptic seizure involves all parts of the brain.
Not specifically adapted to a particular environment or function; not specialized.
Generally prevalent.

Medical definitions for generalized (2 of 2)

generalize
[ jĕnər-ə-līz′ ]

v.

To reduce to a general form, class, or law.
To render indefinite or unspecific.
To infer from many particulars.
To draw inferences or a general conclusion from.
To make generally or universally applicable.