Basic Details
Word: Generalisation
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: The act of making a broad statement or conclusion based on specific examples or cases.
Synonyms: Conclusion, assumption, broader perspective
Antonyms: Specialisation, detail
Idioms and Phrases
- Generalisation can be misleading: A phrase used to warn that broad statements may not always be accurate. Example: "Be careful when making assumptions; remember that generalisation can be misleading."
- Settle for a generalisation: To accept a broad statement when details are unavailable. Example: "In the absence of specific evidence, they had to settle for a generalisation about the team's performance."
Usage Examples
Example 1: A generalisation that all cats dislike water is not true, as many cats enjoy playing with it.
Example 2: The teacher warned us not to make a generalisation about a group based on the actions of one individual.
Example 3: While a generalisation can help us understand trends, we must remember that exceptions often exist.
Fun Fact
The word "generalisation" comes from the Latin word "generalizare," meaning to make general or to classify. It has been used in English since the 19th century to describe the process of deriving general principles from specific instances.
Famous Quote
"The generalisation of laws is the most important task of the social sciences." - Roger Scruton
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "generalisation" mean?
a) A detailed description
b) The act of making a broad statement based on specific examples
c) A specific case
d) A confusing idea
Answer: b) The act of making a broad statement based on specific examples
2. Which of these is a synonym of "generalisation"?
a) Conclusion
b) Fact
c) Evidence
d) Specification
Answer: a) Conclusion
3. What is the opposite of "generalisation"?
a) Detail
b) Assertion
c) Overview
d) Theory
Answer: a) Detail
4. Which of the following sentences uses "generalisation" correctly?
a) The generalisation was proven wrong when new evidence was found.
b) She loves to make generalisation about her favourite foods.
c) Generalisation is essential for learning new words.
d) A generalisation can only be made about one specific case.
Answer: a) The generalisation was proven wrong when new evidence was found.
5. What does the phrase "generalisation can be misleading" imply?
a) Generalisation makes things clearer.
b) All generalisations are true.
c) Broad statements may not always reflect specific truths.
d) Everyone agrees on generalisations.
Answer: c) Broad statements may not always reflect specific truths.
