generalize
Infer from specifics
To generalize is to form broad conclusions from specific instances: It's hard to generalize from a single case.
The word often carries a whiff of intellectual laziness—generalizing means glossing over particulars that might complicate the picture.
In technical contexts, to generalize a finding is to show it applies beyond the original sample.
A generalized rash or infection has spread throughout the body rather than staying localized.
Form a mental picture
- theorizeForm explanatory suppositions
- abstractCondensed version of text
- ideateForm mental concepts
- extrapolateExtend known data outward
synthesize · formulate · distill · universalize · schematize · systematize · model · categorize
Make longer or larger
- expandIncrease in size
- widenExpand in breadth
- broadenExpand in scope
- universalizeMake broadly applicable
spread · scale · transfer · adapt · standardize · normalize · mainstream · popularize
Reach by reasoning
- induceCause or persuade
- extrapolateExtend known data outward
- reasonBasis or justification
- concludeEnd or infer
derive · infer · surmise · hypothesize · postulate · conjecture · interpret · judge
Fixed oversimplified notion
- lump togetherCombine without distinction
- blanket statementAssertion applied universally
- sweepingExtensive and far-reaching
- broad-brushGeneral, not detailed
pigeonhole · typecast · homogenize · flatten · reduce · oversimplify · caricature · label
conceptualize
Form a mental picture
extrapolate · synthesize · formulate · distill · universalize · schematize · systematize · model · categorize · typify
extend
Make longer or larger
universalize · spread · scale · transfer · adapt · standardize · normalize · mainstream · popularize · disseminate
deduce
Reach by reasoning
- induceCause or persuade
- extrapolateExtend known data outward
- reasonBasis or justification
conclude · derive · infer · surmise · hypothesize · postulate · conjecture · interpret · judge · assess
stereotype
Fixed oversimplified notion
- lump togetherCombine without distinction
- blanket statementAssertion applied universally
- sweepingExtensive and far-reaching
broad-brush · pigeonhole · typecast · homogenize · flatten · reduce · oversimplify · caricature · label · assume
- analysisanalyze, analysis, evaluate, data analysis, examine
- planningplan, planned, planners, to-do lists, calendars
- streamliningstreamline, simplify, optimize, consolidate, condense
generalizespecify
State in detail
particularize · instantiate · concretize · exemplify · individuate
generalizespecify
State in detail
particularise · particularize · detail · describe · elaborate
- hasty generalizationConclusion from insufficient evidence
- generalized anxietyPersistent excessive worry disorder
- generalized anxiety disorderChronic excessive worry condition
generality, generalized, generalization, generalist, generalise, generalizes, generalizing, generalised, generalises