Gen"er*al*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing (?).] [Cf. F. g'en'eraliser.]

1.

To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in relation to a genus or to genera.

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.

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.

When a fact is generalized, our discontent is quited, and we consider the generality itself as tantamount to an explanation. Sir W. Hamilton.

3.

To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars.

A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts. Coleridge.

 

© Webster 1913.


Gen"er*al*ize, v. i.

To form into a genus; to view objects in their relations to a genus or class; to take general or comprehensive views.

 

© Webster 1913.

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