Basic Details
Word: Generalize
Part of Speech: Verb
Meaning: To make a broad statement or conclusion based on specific examples or facts.
Synonyms: General, summarise, simplify
Antonyms: Specialise, specify, detail
Idioms and Phrases
- Generalise too much: To make sweeping statements that are overly broad and not accurate. Example: "If you generalise too much, you might overlook important details."
- Don't generalise: A phrase used to advise someone not to assume something applies to everyone based on a few examples. Example: "He may be bad at sports, but don't generalise; some of us are quite good!"
Usage Examples
Example 1: It is not fair to generalise that all teenagers are careless based on a few incidents.
Example 2: When we generalise information, we can miss the unique aspects of individual cases.
Example 3: She advised us not to generalise about the different cultures we encountered while travelling.
Fun Fact
The word "generalize" comes from the Latin word "generalis," which means "relating to a whole class or group," showing its connection to forming conclusions about groups of things.
Famous Quote
"In seeking truth, you have to get both sides of a story." Walter Cronkite
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "generalize" mean?
a) To give detailed information
b) To make a broad statement
c) To focus on a specific example
d) To provide facts
Answer: b) To make a broad statement
2. Which of these is a synonym of "generalize"?
a) Specialise
b) General
c) Detail
d) Complicate
Answer: b) General
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "generalize"?
a) Summarise
b) Specify
c) General
d) Simplify
Answer: b) Specify
4. Which sentence uses "generalize" correctly?
a) We should generalize about all dogs based on one breed.
b) It is important to generalize our findings after careful research.
c) If you generalize, you are being very detailed.
d) She loves to generalize every time she talks.
Answer: b) It is important to generalize our findings after careful research.
5. Which idiom warns against making broad statements?
a) Don't generalise
b) Generalise too much
c) Look before you leap
d) All bark and no bite
Answer: a) Don't generalise
