generalize

IPA/ˈdʒenrəlaɪz/
KK[dʒˈɛnɚəlˌaɪz]IPA/ˈdʒenrəlaɪz/

generalize — 動詞

  • 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

概括；歸納

根據少數例子做出廣泛結論

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.

僅憑一次短暫的造訪就對整個國家做出概括，這是不公平的。

generalize + about + group noun

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

科學家警告，我們不能僅憑單一實驗室的實驗就做出歸納。

generalize + from + specific source

常見搭配
  • generalize about a group/country/culture
  • generalize from a sample/example/study
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

推廣；普遍化

將某事物應用到更廣泛的範圍

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.

研究人員希望能將他們的發現推廣到所有年齡層的患者。

generalize findings + to + wider group

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

Darius 試圖將他的程式設計方法普遍化，使其能在任何作業系統上運作。

常見搭配
  • generalize results/findings to
  • generalize a method/approach/model
  • generalize a product/system for
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.

同根字

常見搭配

名詞搭配

副詞搭配

常用片語

  • in general terms
  • as a general rule

介系詞搭配