Pronunciation: ' jen-r ə - ˌ l ī z, ' je-n ə -
Function: verb
Inflected Form: -ized ; -iz · ing
Date: circa 1751
transitive verb
1 : to give a general form to
2 a : to derive or induce (a general conception or principle) from particulars b : to draw a general conclusion from
3 : to give general applicability to < generalize a law> also : to make indefinite
intransitive verb
1 : to form generalizations also : to make vague or indefinite statements
2 : to spread or extend throughout the body
– gen · er · al · iz · abil · i · ty \ ˌ jen-r ə - ˌ l ī -z ə - ' bi-l ə -t ē , ˌ je-n ə - \ noun
– gen · er · al · iz · able \ - ˌ l ī -z ə -b ə l \ adjective
– gen · er · al · iz · er noun