generalization

noun

gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce generalization (audio) ˌje-nə- How to pronounce generalization (audio)
1
: the act or process of generalizing
2
: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition
made broad generalizations about women
3
: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus

Examples of generalization in a Sentence

He made several sweeping generalizations about women. She was prone to generalization.
Recent Examples on the Web Rivera's organization, the Latino Community Fund Georgia, also denounced hateful comments members of the Hispanic community are receiving, saying in a statement that certain characteristics should not be used to make generalizations or accusations about large groups of people. Christopher Cann, USA TODAY, 3 Mar. 2024 Hasty generalization – someone jumps to a conclusion or generalizes without thinking through or doing the research. Christine Comaford, Forbes, 2 Mar. 2024 The transition from Latin to Old French and then into English involved a generalization of meaning to encompass the idea of the amount of money or other compensation given or asked for in exchange for something. Erik Kain, Forbes, 18 Feb. 2024 In recent years, there’s been an effort to debunk the generalizations and glorified stories of white abolitionists, Schanie said, and focus rather, on the individuals, who fled to freedom. Maggie Menderski, The Courier-Journal, 9 Feb. 2024 Always refer to the product label for directions, but as a generalization, temperatures during a dormant oil application should be 50 to 60 degrees or above for several consecutive days, with nightly lows above freezing. Miri Talabac, Baltimore Sun, 25 Jan. 2024 But a new study from the University of Colorado pushes back against that generalization, highlighting how marijuana plays an important role in fitness for some and how the substance even can be used as a motivational tool for exercise. Christine Ricciardi, Hartford Courant, 12 Jan. 2024 The abundance of evidence demonstrates that these generalizations are false. Robert Goulder, Forbes, 12 Feb. 2024 However, it was noted that the AI system showed limitations in generalization and adaptability, struggling when the conditions differed from those it was trained for, such as changes in lighting. Benj Edwards, Ars Technica, 31 Aug. 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'generalization.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

generalize + -ation

First Known Use

1761, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of generalization was in 1761

Dictionary Entries Near generalization

Cite this Entry

“Generalization.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/generalization. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

generalization

noun
gen·​er·​al·​i·​za·​tion ˌjen-(ə-)rə-lə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce generalization (audio)
1
: the act or process of generalizing
2
: a general statement, law, principle, or proposition

Medical Definition

generalization

noun
gen·​er·​al·​iza·​tion
variants or British generalisation
1
: the action or process of becoming widespread or diffuse
secondary generalization of a partial seizure
2
: the act or process whereby a learned response is made to a stimulus similar to but not identical with the conditioned stimulus

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