The Collaborative International Dictionary
generalize \gen"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized; p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing.] [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]raliser.]
-
To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in relation to a genus or to genera.
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. -
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.
When a fact is generalized, our discontent is quited, and we consider the generality itself as tantamount to an explanation.
--Sir W. Hamilton. -
To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars. [WordNet sense 2]
Syn: generalize, extrapolate, infer.
A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.
--Coleridge. -
To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms.
Syn: generalise, speak generally.
Wiktionary
vb. (present participle of generalize English)
Usage examples of "generalizing".
Vera, judging only by her husband and generalizing from that observation, supposed that all men, though they understand nothing and are conceited and selfish, ascribe common sense to themselves alone.
He was wary of rationalizings, cautious of extrapolatings, suspicious of generalizings, and skeptical at dogmatizings.