[syn: generalize, generalise]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
generalise \generalise\ v.
same as generalize.
[WordNet 1.5]
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:
generalize \gen"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized;
p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing.] [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]raliser.]
[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. [WordNet sense 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.
[WordNet sense 1]
Syn: generalise, speak generally.
[WordNet 1.5]
WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):
generalise
v 1: speak or write in generalities [syn: generalize,
generalise] [ant: particularise, particularize,
specialise, specialize, specify]
2: draw from specific cases for more general cases [syn:
generalize, generalise, extrapolate, infer]
3: cater to popular taste to make popular and present to the
general public; bring into general or common use; "They
popularized coffee in Washington State"; "Relativity Theory
was vulgarized by these authors" [syn: popularize,
popularise, vulgarize, vulgarise, generalize,
generalise]
4: become systemic and spread throughout the body; "this kind of
infection generalizes throughout the immune system" [syn:
generalize, generalise]