generally

/ˈdʒenrəli/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdʒenrəli/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈjen-rə-lē ˈje-nə-, ˈje-nər-lē/ (ame, mw)

generally — 副詞

1. In a way that looks at the main or overall picture, without focusing on small de

1.副詞B1
釋義

整體而言

從整體來看，不只看部分

In a way that looks at the main or overall picture, without focusing on small details or exceptions.

例句

Generally, the project was a success even though we had some problems at the start.

總體來說，這個項目是成功的，即使一開始有些問題。

sentence adverb at start of clause

Devika felt that the hotel was generally clean and comfortable, apart from the dusty curtains.

Devika 覺得這家旅館整體來說乾淨舒適，只是窗簾有灰塵。

modifies adjective phrase

同義詞
  • overall

    used similarly but more often before a noun ('overall impression') rather than as a sentence adverb

  • on the whole

    slightly more informal and conversational

  • in general

    interchangeable in most contexts; 'generally' is more compact

反義詞
  • specifically

    focuses on precise details instead of the broad picture

  • particularly

    singles out one part rather than looking at everything together

文法句型

generally + clause

generally + adjective phrase

用法筆記

Commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence to introduce an overall judgment, or directly before an adjective to qualify it.

2. In most circumstances; used to describe what happens most of the time.

2.副詞A2
釋義

通常

在大多數情況下

In most circumstances; used to describe what happens most of the time.

例句

Mira generally walks to work unless it is raining heavily.

Mira 通常走路去上班，除非下大雨。

modifies verb in habitual action

The library is generally quiet in the morning, but it gets busy after lunch.

圖書館早上通常很安靜，但午餐過後就開始熱鬧了。

modifies adjective 'quiet'

同義詞
  • usually

    the closest synonym; 'generally' feels slightly broader and more flexible

  • typically

    focuses on what is characteristic or expected in a given situation

  • as a rule

    more formal; suggests a deliberate principle or norm

反義詞
  • rarely

    opposite frequency — describes something that seldom happens

  • seldom

    more formal than 'rarely', also opposite in frequency

文法句型

generally + verb phrase

generally + adjective

用法筆記

Unlike 'always,' this sense allows for exceptions — it describes a strong tendency, not a fixed rule.

常見錯誤

❌I generally went to the gym yesterday.
✅I generally go to the gym on weekdays.
💡'generally' describes habitual actions, not a single past event. Use 'usually' for past habits or rephrase as a repeated action.

3. In a way that is true for most people; used to describe a widely held opinion, f

3.副詞B1
釋義

普遍

多數人認為或接受

In a way that is true for most people; used to describe a widely held opinion, feeling, or experience.

例句

It is generally believed that regular exercise improves both physical and mental health.

普遍認為，規律運動可以改善身心健康。

passive: generally + past participle

The new safety rules were generally welcomed by staff at the factory.

新的安全規定普遍受到工廠員工的歡迎。

同義詞
  • widely

    emphasises broad geographic or demographic reach; 'widely believed' sounds more objective

  • commonly

    focuses on frequency of occurrence rather than number of people holding the view

  • popularly

    stronger implication that non-experts hold the belief; sometimes contrasts with expert opinion

文法句型

generally + past participle

generally + adjective

用法筆記

This sense is most common with passive verbs (be + past participle) such as 'is generally considered,' 'are generally accepted,' or 'was generally agreed.'