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Webster 1913 Edition


Generalize

Gen′er-al-ize

,
Verb.
I.
To form into a genus; to view objects in their relations to a genus or class; to take general or comprehensive views.

Webster 1828 Edition


Generalize

GEN'ERALIZE

,
Verb.
T.
To extend from particulars or species to genera, or to whole kinds or classes; to make general, or common to a number.
Copernicus generalized the celestial motions, by merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton generalized them still more, by referring this last to the motion of a stone through the air.
1.
To reduce to a genus.

Definition 2024


generalize

generalize

English

Alternative forms

Verb

generalize (third-person singular simple present generalizes, present participle generalizing, simple past and past participle generalized)

  1. To speak in generalities, or in vague terms.
  2. To infer or induce from specific cases to more general cases or principles.
    • W. Nicholson
      Copernicus generalized the celestial motions by merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton generalized them still more by referring this last to the motion of a stone through the air.
  3. To spread throughout the body and become systemic.
  4. To derive or deduce (a general concept or principle) from particular facts.
    • Coleridge
      A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.

Antonyms

Derived terms

Related terms

Translations


Portuguese

Verb

generalize

  1. first-person singular present subjunctive of generalizar
  2. third-person singular present subjunctive of generalizar
  3. first-person singular imperative of generalizar
  4. third-person singular imperative of generalizar