generalize \gen"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized;
p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing.] [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]raliser.]
[Also spelled generalise.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in
relation to a genus or to genera.
[1913 Webster]
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.
[1913 Webster]
2. 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.
[1913 Webster]
When a fact is generalized, our discontent is
quited, and we consider the generality itself as
tantamount to an explanation. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
[1913 Webster]
3. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general
principle) from particulars. [WordNet sense 2]
Syn: generalize, extrapolate, infer.
[1913 Webster]
A mere conclusion generalized from a great
multitude of facts. --Coleridge.
[1913 Webster]
4. To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms.
[WordNet sense 1]
Syn: generalise, speak generally.
[WordNet 1.5]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
Generalize \Gen"er*al*ize\, v. i.
To form into a genus; to view objects in their relations to a
genus or class; to take general or comprehensive views.
[1913 Webster]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
generalize
v 1: draw from specific cases for more general cases [syn: generalise,
extrapolate, infer]
2: speak or write in generalities [syn: generalise] [ant: specify]
3: cater to popular taste to make popular and present to the
general public; bring into general or common use; "They
popularized coffee in Washington State"; "Relativity
Theory was vulgarized by these authors" [syn: popularize,
popularise, vulgarize, vulgarise, generalise]
4: become systemic and spread throughout the body; "this kind
of infection generalizes throughout the immune system"
[syn: generalise]
WordNet (r) 2.0
26 Moby Thesaurus words for "generalize":
analyze, apply reason, broaden, deal in generalities, deduce,
ecumenicize, expand, extend, globalize, hypothesize, infer,
intellectualize, logicalize, logicize, make a generalization,
philosophize, provide a rationale, rationalize, reason, spread,
syllogize, synthesize, theorize, universalize, use reason, widen
Moby Thesaurus II by Grady Ward, 1.0
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