Generalization
ˌdʒenərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən
Definitions
2 meaningsThe process of forming a general idea or concept from specific instances; a general statement based on a specific set of observations.
ˌdʒenərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən
A general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases.
The scientist made a broad generalization about the effects of climate change.
💡 Simply: Imagine you see a few cats that are fluffy. Then, you say 'all cats are fluffy'. That's a generalization! It's a quick conclusion based on some observations.
👶 For kids: When you look at a few things and then say something about ALL things that are like that, that's a generalization!
More Examples
Avoid making sweeping generalizations about people based on their background.
The study's conclusions were based on generalizations from a large data set.
How It's Used
"The philosopher's argument relied on a broad generalization about human nature."
"Researchers must be cautious about making generalizations from small sample sizes."
"It's easy to make generalizations about people based on their appearance, but it's important to remember that everyone is an individual."
The act or process of deriving a general concept or rule from specific examples.
ˌdʒenərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən
The act or process of generalizing.
The generalization of the findings to a wider population was a key aspect of the research design.
💡 Simply: Let's say you learn to ride a bike with training wheels. Later, you take the training wheels off. The process of you getting better at riding without them is a generalization.
👶 For kids: When you learn something in one place, and then you can do it in other places too, like using your new trick on all the different toys you have!
More Examples
The study aimed to understand the process of generalization in learning.
The process of generalization helps to explain the spread of new behaviours.
How It's Used
"In behavioral therapy, generalization involves applying learned behaviors to new situations."
"The teacher encouraged generalization to help students apply concepts to different problems."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sweeping generalization
A broad, often inaccurate or unfair statement about a whole group or subject.
"It's a sweeping generalization to say that all teenagers are lazy."
From Middle French *généralisation*, from *généraliser* 'to generalize', from Late Latin *generalizare*, from Latin *generalis* 'general'.
The term gained prominence in the 19th and 20th centuries with the rise of scientific methodologies and statistical analysis, where the ability to draw general conclusions from data became crucial.
Memory tip
Think of a 'general' in the army – they make big-picture decisions (generalizations) based on reports from the field.
Word Origin
"general, relating to all"