generalize

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Verb

generalize (generalizes, present participle generalizing; 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.

   • 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 derive or deduce (a general concept or principle) from particular facts.

   • A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.

Synonyms

• (speak in generalities) See also Thesaurus:generalize

Antonyms

• (speak in generalities) See also Thesaurus:specify
• (infer from specific cases) specialize

Related terms

• general

Translations

• French: généraliser
• Portuguese: generalizar
• Spanish: generalizar

Translations

• French: généraliser
• German: verallgemeinern
• Italian: generalizzare
• Portuguese: generalizar
• Russian: обобща́ть

Translations

• French: généraliser
• Portuguese: generalizar-se

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