Word forms: plural generalizationsregional note: in BRIT, also use generalisation
variable noun
A generalization is a statement that seems to be true in most situations or for most people, but that may not be completely true in all cases.
He is making sweeping generalisations to get his point across.
The evaluation of conduct involves some amount of generalization.
Synonyms: generality, abstraction, sweeping statement, loose statement More Synonyms of generalization
generalization in British English
or generalisation (ˌdʒɛnrəlaɪˈzeɪʃən)
noun
1.
a principle, theory, etc, with general application
2.
the act or an instance of generalizing
3. psychology
the evoking of a response learned to one stimulus by a different but similar stimulus
See also conditioning
4. logic
the derivation of a general statement from a particular one, formally by prefixing a quantifier and replacing a subject term by a bound variable. If the quantifier is universal (universal generalization) the argument is not in general valid; if it is existential (existential generalization) it is valid
5. logic
any statement ascribing a property to every member of a class (universal generalization) or to one or more members (existential generalization)
generalization in American English
(ˌdʒɛnərəlɪˈzeɪʃən; ˌ dʒɛnrəlɪˈzeɪʃən)
noun
1.
the act or process of generalizing
2.
a general idea, statement, etc. resulting from this; inference applied generally
Examples of 'generalization' in a sentence
generalization
What is the universal syntax if not a generalization of mathematics into a truly universal language?
Zindell, David The Broken God (1993)
Vague generalizations are likely to lead to bad feelings and misunderstandings.
Harris, Jean Everything You Need to Know for Success in Business (1990)
Such cultural misunderstandings may grow into outright hostility and lead to unfair generalizations and stereotypes.
Appelbaum, Richard P. Sociology (1995)
Making generalizations about occupations is not very helpful.
Atkinson, Jacqueline M Coping with Stress at Work (1988)
It starts with abstract generalizations and investigates them.
Lee Harvey Critical Social Research (1990)
Illustrate your major generalizations by specific references to evidence.
Marius, Richard A Short Guide to Writing About History (1995)
He knew that he would merely be treated to glib and elementary generalizations.
Len Deighton Bomber
Draw conclusions from your generalizations in a summary section.
Porush, David A Short Guide to Writing About Science (1995)
In other languages
generalization
British English: generalization NOUN
A generalization is a statement that seems to be true in most situations or for most people, but that may not be completely true in all cases.
He is making sweeping generalizations to get his point across.
American English: generalization
Brazilian Portuguese: generalização
Chinese: 概括
European Spanish: generalización
French: généralisation
German: Verallgemeinerung
Italian: generalizzazione
Japanese: 一般化
Korean: 일반화
European Portuguese: generalização
Latin American Spanish: generalización
(noun)
Definition
a principle or statement based on specific instances but applied generally
He was making sweeping generalizations to get his point across.
Synonyms
generality
He avoided this tricky question and talked in generalities.
abstraction
Is it worth fighting in the name of an abstraction?
sweeping statement
loose statement
Additional synonyms
in the sense of abstraction
Definition
a general idea rather than a specific example
Is it worth fighting in the name of an abstraction?