English

Alternative forms

• generalise (non-Oxford British spelling)

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

• specialize

Derived terms

Related terms

• general

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