Dictionary

generalize

verb gen·er·al·ize \ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz, ˈje-nə-\

: to make a general statement or form a general opinion; especially : to state an opinion about a larger group that is based on a smaller number of people or things within that group

: to apply (something specific, such as a theory or rule) to larger group

gen·er·al·izedgen·er·al·iz·ing

Full Definition of GENERALIZE

transitive verb
1
:  to give a general form to
2
a :  to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars
b :  to draw a general conclusion from
3
:  to give general applicability to <generalize a law>; also :  to make indefinite
intransitive verb
1
:  to form generalizations; also :  to make vague or indefinite statements
2
:  to spread or extend throughout the body
gen·er·al·iz·abil·i·ty \ˌjen-rə-ˌlī-zə-ˈbi-lə-tē, ˌje-nə-\ noun
gen·er·al·iz·able \-ˌlī-zə-bəl\ adjective
gen·er·al·iz·er noun
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First Known Use of GENERALIZE

circa 1751

Rhymes with GENERALIZE

accessorize, acclimatize, actualize, aerobicize, aestheticize, Africanize, allegorize, alphabetize, analogize, anatomize, anesthetize, animalize, annualize, antagonize, anthologize, anticlockwise, apologize, apostatize, apostrophize, arabicize, aromatize, automatize, bureaucratize, cannibalize, capitalize, categorize, catheterize, catholicize, characterize, collectivize, commercialize, commoditize, communalize, computerize, conservatize, containerize, contrariwise, conveyorize, cosmeticize, counterclockwise, criminalize, cross-fertilize, cut down to size, decentralize, decolonize, de-emphasize, de-energize, defeminize, deformalize, deglamorize, dehumanize, deionize, demagnetize, demobilize, democratize, demoralize, denationalize, deodorize, depersonalize, depolarize, depressurize, desensitize, destabilize, destigmatize, detribalize, devitalize, diabolize, digitalize, disenfranchise, disorganize, economize, emblematize, emotionalize, epitomize, epoxidize, eroticize, eternalize, evangelize, extemporize, externalize, familiarize, fanaticize, fictionalize, floor exercise, fool's paradise, formularize, free enterprise, gelatinize, geologize, Hispanicize, historicize, homogenize, hospitalize, hypothesize, idealize, illegalize, immobilize, immortalize, impersonalize, Indianize, indigenize, infantilize, initialize, internalize, italicize, legitimize, liberalize, literalize, lobotomize, lysogenize, macadamize, marginalize, metabolize, metastasize, militarize, mineralize, monopolize, mythologize, nationalize, naturalize, parenthesize, philosophize, poeticize, politicize, popularize, prioritize, proselytize, radicalize, reorganize, revitalize, ritualize, romanticize, secularize, self-fertilize, sensualize, sexualize, sovietize, subjectivize, suburbanize, subvocalize, systematize, temporalize, theologize, traditionalize, trivialize, ventriloquize, visualize
GENERALIZABLE Defined for Kids

generalize

verb gen·er·al·ize \ˈje-nə-rə-ˌlīz, ˈjen-rə-\
gen·er·al·izedgen·er·al·iz·ing

Definition of GENERALIZE for Kids

:  to draw or state a general conclusion from a number of different items or instances <Don't generalize about science fiction after reading only one book.>
Medical Dictionary

generalize

intransitive verb gen·er·al·ize
gen·er·al·ized or British gen·er·al·isedgen·er·al·iz·ing or British gen·er·al·is·ing

Medical Definition of GENERALIZE

:  to spread or extend throughout the body <generalized paralysis>

Variants of GENERALIZE

gen·er·al·ize or British gen·er·al·ise \ˈjen-(ə-)rə-ˌlīz\

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