Gen"er*al*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized (?); p. pr. & vb. n.
Generalizing (?).] [Cf. F. gÈnÈraliser.]
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.
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.
Gen"er*al*ized (?), a. (Zoˆl.) Comprising structural characters which
are separated in more specialized forms; synthetic; as, a generalized
type.
Gen"er*al*i`zer (&?;), n. One who takes general or comprehensive views.
Tyndall.
Gen"er*al*ly, adv. 1. In general; commonly; extensively, though not
universally; most frequently.
2. In a general way, or in general relation; in the main; upon the
whole; comprehensively.
Generally speaking, they live very quietly.
Addison.