'Generalize' definitions:

Definition of 'generalize'

From: WordNet
verb
Draw from specific cases for more general cases [syn: generalize, generalise, extrapolate, infer]
verb
Speak or write in generalities [syn: generalize, generalise] [ant: particularise, particularize, specialise, specialize, specify]
verb
Cater to popular taste to make popular and present to the general public; bring into general or common use; "They popularized coffee in Washington State"; "Relativity Theory was vulgarized by these authors" [syn: popularize, popularise, vulgarize, vulgarise, generalize, generalise]
verb
Become systemic and spread throughout the body; "this kind of infection generalizes throughout the immune system" [syn: generalize, generalise]

Definition of 'Generalize'

From: GCIDE
  • Generalize \Gen"er*al*ize\, v. i. To form into a genus; to view objects in their relations to a genus or class; to take general or comprehensive views. [1913 Webster]

Definition of 'generalize'

From: GCIDE
  • generalize \gen"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized; p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing.] [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]raliser.] [Also spelled generalise.] [1913 Webster]
  • 1. To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in relation to a genus or to genera. [1913 Webster]
  • 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. --W. Nicholson. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. To apply to other genera or classes; to use with a more extensive application; to extend so as to include all special cases; to make universal in application, as a formula or rule. [1913 Webster]
  • When a fact is generalized, our discontent is quited, and we consider the generality itself as tantamount to an explanation. --Sir W. Hamilton. [1913 Webster]
  • 3. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars. [WordNet sense 2]
  • Syn: generalize, extrapolate, infer. [1913 Webster]
  • A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts. --Coleridge. [1913 Webster]
  • 4. To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms. [WordNet sense 1]
  • Syn: generalise, speak generally. [WordNet 1.5]

Synonyms of 'generalize'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Generalize'