generalize

• POS: Verb (usu participle), Verb (intransitive), Verb (transitive)
• HYPHEN: gen=er=al=ize

CIDE DICTIONARY

generalize, v. t. [Cf. F. généraliser.].

•  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."  [1913 Webster]
•  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."  [1913 Webster]
•  To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars.  [1913 Webster]

  "A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts."  [1913 Webster]
•  To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms.  [WordNet 1.5]

generalize, 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]

OXFORD DICTIONARY

generalize, v. (also -ise)
1 intr. a speak in general or indefinite terms. b form general principles or notions.
2 tr. reduce to a general statement, principle, or notion.
3 tr. a give a general character to. b call by a general name.
4 tr. infer (a law or conclusion) by induction.
5 tr. Math. & Philos. express in a general form; extend the application of.
6 tr. (in painting) render only the typical characteristics of.
7 tr. bring into general use.

Derivative

generalizable adj. generalizability n. generalizer n.

Etymology

F g{eacute}n{eacute}raliser (as GENERAL)

THESAURUS

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

ROGET THESAURUS

generalize

Generality

VB be general, prevail, be going about, stalk abroad, render general, generalize.