Reading Theme:
How to Use Generalise: Definition & Examples (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：make broad rules (generalise)
generalise
/ˈdʒenrəlaɪz/
v.
To form a broad idea or rule based on a few specific examples.
make broad rules
➕
/meɪk brɔːd ruːlz/
v.
To create a general statement or principle from limited specific instances, often without sufficient evidence, which can lead to stereotypes or oversimplification.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'generalis' (relating to all), from 'genus' (kind, type).
💡 Mnemonic
Generals see the whole battle, not single soldiers. To GENERALISE is to think like a general.
📖 Example
The teacher warned us not to generalise about a student's ability based on just one test score.
This sentence cautions against drawing broad conclusions about someone's overall capabilities from a single data point.
🔗 Collocations
generalise from – to make a broad conclusion based on (a limited sample)
generalise about – to make a sweeping statement concerning (a group or topic)
🔄 Synonyms
extrapolate (v.) – To infer or estimate something unknown from known information.
overgeneralize (v.) – To make a generalization that is too broad or simplistic.
🚫 Antonyms
specify (v.) – To state or describe something clearly and precisely.
differentiate (v.) – To recognize or identify what makes someone or something different.
🌱 Derivatives
generalisation (n.) – A broad statement or idea based on limited information.
generalised (adj.) – Made general, not specific; widespread.
📖 Cultural Story
Enters English via French 'généraliser', from Medieval Latin. It encapsulates the scientific and philosophical move from particulars to universals. Frequently used in social sciences to describe identifying patterns across diverse observations.
Meaning 2：apply broadly (generalise)
generalise
/ˈdʒenrəlaɪz/
v.
To apply a method or idea that worked in one situation to many other similar situations.
apply broadly
➕
/əˈplaɪ brɔːdli/
v.
To take a method, principle, or finding that has been successful in a particular case and extend its application to a wider range of similar situations.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The scientists hope to generalise their successful laboratory findings to develop a treatment that works for a wide range of patients.
This describes the scientific goal of expanding the applicability of a proven result from a controlled experiment to broader, real-world conditions.
🔗 Collocations
generalise a result – to extend the validity of a finding to other cases
generalise a model – to apply a theoretical framework to new data or contexts
🔄 Synonyms
extend (v.) – To cause to cover a larger area or broader scope.
universalize (v.) – To make something applicable to all cases or to everyone.
🚫 Antonyms
localize (v.) – To restrict or confine to a particular place or context.
particularize (v.) – To describe or treat something in individual detail.
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