v. t. [ imp. & p. p. Generalized p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing ] [ Cf. F. généraliser. ] [ Also spelled generalise. ] [ 1913 Webster ] 1. 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. W. Nicholson. [ 1913 Webster ] 2. 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. Sir W. Hamilton. [ 1913 Webster ] 3. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars. [ wns=2 ]
Syn. -- generalize, extrapolate, infer. [ 1913 Webster ] A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts. Coleridge. [ 1913 Webster ] 4. To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms. [ wns=1 ]
Syn. -- generalise, speak generally. [ WordNet 1.5 ] | 
