generalize Definition
gen·er·al·ize (jen′ər əl īz′, jen′rəl īz′)
transitive verb -·ized′, -·iz′·ing
to make general; esp.,
- to state in terms of a general law or precept
- to infer or derive (a general law or precept) from (particular instances)
- to emphasize the general character rather than specific details of
- to cause to be widely known or used; popularize
Etymology: ME generalisen
intransitive verb
- to formulate general principles or inferences from particulars
- to talk in generalities
- to become general or spread throughout a body or area
generalize Related Forms
generalize Synonyms
generalize
v.
To make generally applicable
theorize, hypothesize, conclude, induce, infer, derive a law, establish a criterion, observe similarities, discover order in apparent disorder, establish rules of probability, discern affinities, globalize, stereotype. Antonyms
separate*, particularize*, deduce*. * To speak in general terms
vapor, theorize, speculate, postulate, be metaphysical, discuss in the abstract, speak in generalities, deal in abstractions, speak in terms of the ideal, philosophize, stay up in the clouds*. Antonyms
specify*, apply*, particularize.
generalize Usage Examples
Object
- eigenproblem: B An optional real or complex n -by- n array used for the generalized eigenproblem.
- inverse: P is its own generalized inverse, P # .
- quantifier: Our findings are consistent with a large-scale neural network centered in frontal and parietal cortex that supports comprehension of generalized quantifiers.
- fatigue: Excessive generalized fatigue has been treated with energy conservation measures.
- seizure: Like generalized seizures, these types of seizures take many forms.
- theorem: However, there are good grounds for thinking that a system of nonmonotonic logic should fail to include a generalized deduction theorem.
Noun phrase with adjective complement
such: Abscesses in other areas of the body may not be obvious and may produce only generalized symptoms such as fever and discomfort.
Adjective complement
linear: The decline in response with distance across gaps and along woodland edge was modeled for each species using generalized linear modeling.
Modifying Another Word
- easily: They have now developed their own unique sound which does not allow them to be easily generalized.
- then: The point was then generalized to number patterns in mathematics.
- not: Do not generalize the authors are medicare amp medicaid.
- also: It also generalizes simply to the 2D problem by taking the biggest two singular vectors instead of the biggest three.
- n't: I ca n't generalize about it, because one thing contradicts another.
- too: However, in terms of actual practices in the working environment, this is clearly too generalized to be of much use.
Used with why or when
what: Instruction in inclusive environments with appropriate support may help students with severe disabilities generalize what they learned in classrooms.
Infinitive complement
- include: The mouse's immune system reacts against the myelin protein, and the response generalizes to include the mouse's own myelin.
- allow: The rules are also generalized to allow comparison of other types such as dates and times.
- cover: Since then, the meaning of the term has become generalized to cover all the genetic material within an organism.
Present participle complement
estimate: Biographical data, treatment patterns, and clinical impressions were analyzed by the generalized linear model and generalized estimating equations method.
Preposition: from
experience: This paper generalizes from experience with Internet trust to discuss some techniques and software features that are important for poorly understood domains.
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