generalize

/ˈdʒenrəlaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒenrəlaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjen-rə-ˌlīz ˈje-nə-/ (ame, mw)

generalize — verb

  • generalizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • generalizeshe / she / it
  • generalizedpast simple
  • generalizing-ing form

1. to form a broad statement or opinion that applies to many people, things, or sit

1.動詞不及物B2
釋義

to form a broad statement or opinion that applies to many people, things, or situations, based on only a small number of examples or on limited information

例句

It is not fair to generalize about an entire country based on one short visit.

generalize + about + group noun

Scientists warn that we cannot generalize from a single lab experiment.

generalize + from + specific source

同義詞
  • overgeneralize

    stronger, negative connotation — implies the conclusion is definitely too broad

  • stereotype

    limited to groups of people; negative connotation of unfair oversimplification

  • broad-brush

    adjective; describes statements that treat complex matters too simply

反義詞
  • specify

    to state something in exact detail rather than making a broad claim

  • particularize

    formal; to list or describe individual cases separately

文法句型

generalize + about + noun (topic/group)

generalize + from + noun (specific case/evidence)

用法筆記

Often used in negative or cautionary contexts to warn against reaching conclusions too quickly. Subject is typically a person or group making a claim.

常見錯誤

❌I generalized that all birds can fly after seeing one pigeon.
✅I wrongly assumed that all birds can fly after seeing one pigeon.
💡'generalize' describes the cognitive act of forming a broad rule; to make the sentence sound natural, add 'wrongly' or 'hastily' to show the conclusion is based on too little evidence.

2. to make a method, finding, idea, or product suitable for or useful in a wider ra

2.動詞及物B2
釋義

to make a method, finding, idea, or product suitable for or useful in a wider range of situations than the one it was originally designed or tested for

例句

The researchers hope to generalize their findings to patients of all ages.

generalize findings + to + wider group

Darius tried to generalize his programming method so it could work on any operating system.

同義詞
  • extrapolate

    slightly more precise; implies extending from known data to unknown situations, often mathematically

  • broaden

    simpler word; to make something apply to more cases without the academic nuance

  • universalize

    more formal; means making something apply everywhere without exception

反義詞
  • narrow

    to limit the scope or application of something

  • restrict

    to keep something within a specific set of conditions

文法句型

generalize + noun + to + noun (wider domain)

be generalized to + noun

用法筆記

Common in research papers and business contexts. The object is typically an abstract noun (finding, method, theory, result). Frequently occurs in passive constructions: 'can be generalized to…'

常見錯誤

❌The doctor generalized the medicine for all patients.
✅The doctor found that the treatment could be generalized to all patients.
💡'generalize' in this sense takes an abstract concept (result, method), not a concrete object like medicine.