# generalize

> English word · Verb · IPA /ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹə.laɪz/ · frequency rank #32,411

## Definitions
1. To speak in generalities, or in vague terms.
2. To infer or induce from specific cases to more general cases or principles.
3. To spread throughout the body and become systemic.
4. To derive or deduce (a general concept or principle) from particular facts.

## Etymology
From general + -ize.

## Easily confused with
- **generative** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/generalize-vs-generative)
- **generalized** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/generalize-vs-generalized)
- **generalist** (https://plainspell.com/en/vs/generalist-vs-generalize)

## Common misspellings (14)
`egneralize`, `geenralize`, `genearlize`, `generailze`, `generaliez`, `generalizze`, `generallize`, `generalzie`, `generlaize`, `generralize`, `genneralize`, `genrealize`, `ggeneralize`, `gneeralize`

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/generalize