- 1
To speak in generalities, or in vague terms.
- 2
To infer or induce from specific cases to more general cases or principles.
- 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.
- A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.
syn. generalize · genericize
ant. specialize · instantiate · specify