generalize

views updated

gen·er·al·ize / ˈjenərəˌlīz/ • v. 1. [intr.] infer general principles from specific cases: it is tempting to generalize from these conclusions. ∎  make general or broad statements: it is not easy to generalize about the poor. ∎  make or become more widely or generally applicable: [tr.] most of what we have observed in this field can be generalized to other fields | [intr.] many of the results generalize to multibody structures. 2. [tr.] make (something) more widespread or common: attempts to generalize an elite education. ∎  make for wide general use or application: [as adj.] (generalized) generalized information pertinent to anyone. ∎  [as adj.] (generalized) Med. (of a disease) affecting much or all of the body; not localized: a generalized rash and fever.DERIVATIVES: gen·er·al·iz·a·bil·i·ty / ˌjenərəˌlīzəˈbilitē/ n.gen·er·al·iz·a·ble adj.gen·er·al·iz·er n.

More From encyclopedia.com