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generalize

 - 4 dictionary results

gen⋅er⋅al⋅ize

  [jen-er-uh-lahyz] verb, -ized, -iz⋅ing.
Use generalize in a Sentence
–verb (used with object)
1. to infer (a general principle, trend, etc.) from particular facts, statistics, or the like.
2. to infer or form (a general principle, opinion, conclusion, etc.) from only a few facts, examples, or the like.
3. to give a general rather than a specific or special character or form to.
4. to make general; bring into general use or knowledge.
–verb (used without object)
5. to form general principles, opinions, etc.
6. to deal, think, or speak in generalities.
7. to make general inferences.
Also, especially British, gen⋅er⋅al⋅ise.

Origin:
1745–55; general + -ize

Related forms:
gen⋅er⋅al⋅iz⋅a⋅ble, adjective
gen⋅er⋅al⋅iz⋅er, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To generalize
gen·er·al·ize   (jěn'ər-ə-līz')   
v.   gen·er·al·ized, gen·er·al·iz·ing, gen·er·al·iz·es

v.   tr.

    1. To reduce to a general form, class, or law.

    2. To render indefinite or unspecific.

    3. To infer from many particulars.

    4. To draw inferences or a general conclusion from.

    5. To make generally or universally applicable.

    6. To popularize.

    1. To infer from many particulars.

    2. To draw inferences or a general conclusion from.

    3. To make generally or universally applicable.

    4. To popularize.

    1. To make generally or universally applicable.

    2. To popularize.

v.   intr.

    1. To form a concept inductively.

    2. To form general notions or conclusions.

  2. To deal in generalities; speak or write vaguely.

  3. Medicine To spread through the body. Used of a usually localized disease.

gen'er·al·iz'a·ble adj., gen'er·al·iz'er n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

Main Entry: gen·er·al·ize
Variant: or British gen·er·al·ise /'jen-(&-)r&-"lIz/
Function: intransitiveverb
Inflected Forms: -ized or British -ised; -iz·ing or British -is·ing
: to spread or extend throughout the body<generalized paralysis>
Merriam-Webster's Medical Dictionary, © 2002 Merriam-Webster, Inc.
Cite This Source
Medical Dictionary

generalize gen·er·al·ize (jěn'ər-ə-līz')
v. gen·er·al·ized, gen·er·al·iz·ing, gen·er·al·iz·es

  1. To reduce to a general form, class, or law.

  2. To render indefinite or unspecific.

  3. To infer from many particulars.

  4. To draw inferences or a general conclusion from.

  5. To make generally or universally applicable.

The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Cite This Source
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