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Generalization Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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generalization

[หŒdส’ษ›nษ™rษ™laษชหˆzeษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

in psychology

Generalization is the tendency to respond in the same way to different but similar stimuli. It is a common cognitive process that helps us make sense of the world by grouping similar things together.

Synonyms

abstraction, categorization, conceptualization.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
generalization

Used when making a broad statement or conclusion based on a few examples, often without significant support. It can have a neutral or slightly negative connotation if overused.

  • It's a generalization to say all teenagers like social media
  • Making generalizations about different cultures can be misleading
abstraction

Used when discussing something that is more of a theoretical idea rather than a concrete object. It often involves dealing with concepts that are not physically tangible.

  • Mathematics is full of abstractions, like the concept of infinity
  • The artist's work is known for its high level of abstraction
conceptualization

Used when forming an idea or concept in the mind, often in the initial stages of a project or theory. It involves understanding and framing a notion in a more structured manner.

  • The conceptualization of the new project took several months
  • Her conceptualization of justice influenced many of her writings
categorization

Used when organizing or classifying items, ideas, or information into groups based on shared characteristics. Commonly applicable in scientific, educational, and data management settings.

  • The library uses a system of categorization to organize books by genre
  • Researchers are working on the categorization of different species of plants

Examples of usage

  • People often generalize their past experiences to new situations.
  • She made a generalization about all politicians based on one bad experience.
Context #2 | Noun

in mathematics

Generalization refers to the process of extending mathematical concepts or operations from specific cases to a broader, more general statement.

Synonyms

broadening, expansion, extension.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
generalization

Used when referring to a statement or concept that applies to a group based on limited evidence or specific examples. Often has a negative connotation as it can lead to stereotypes.

  • It's unfair to make a generalization about all teenagers based on a few incidents.
  • Her generalization about artists being disorganized doesn't hold true.
extension

Mostly used to describe making something longer or more extensive in physical dimensions or time frames. It can also refer to extensions in other contexts like software.

  • The deadline for submissions has been given a two-week extension.
  • He added an extension to the garage to house his new car.
broadening

Appropriate for describing the act of making something more inclusive, extensive, or comprehensive. Used in both abstract and concrete contexts.

  • The organization is broadening its scope to include global issues.
  • The new curriculum aims at broadening students' perspectives.
expansion

Refers to the act of increasing in size, volume, quantity, or scope. Often used in business, industry, or any context where growth is being discussed.

  • The company is planning an expansion into new markets.
  • Our library is undergoing an expansion to accommodate more books.

Examples of usage

  • Generalization of the Pythagorean theorem led to the development of trigonometry.
  • Understanding the generalization of fractions is essential for solving complex algebraic equations.
Context #3 | Verb

in everyday language

To generalize means to make a broad statement or conclusion based on a limited set of observations or experiences.

Synonyms

assumption, overgeneralize, stereotype.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
generalization

Used interchangeably with 'generalization.' It involves forming a broad statement based on a few instances.

  • The generalization that all cats are aloof isn't entirely accurate
  • Such generalizations can often lead to misleading conclusions
stereotype

Used to describe a fixed and oversimplified belief or idea about a particular group of people. This often has a negative connotation as it can lead to prejudice.

  • Saying that all musicians are disorganized is a stereotype
  • Stereotypes can be harmful and unfair to individuals
overgeneralize

Used when making a statement that is too broad and lacks accuracy. This word often has a negative connotation.

  • To say all politicians are corrupt is to overgeneralize
  • Overgeneralizing often leads to incorrect beliefs or biases
assumption

Used when you accept something to be true without proof.

  • She made an assumption that he would be late because he often is
  • Always clarify any assumptions to avoid misunderstandings

Examples of usage

  • It's not fair to generalize about a whole group based on the actions of a few individuals.
  • She tends to generalize about people without getting to know them individually.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Cognitive theories suggest that generalization helps simplify the complexity of our environments by allowing us to make predictions based on limited information.
  • Overgeneralization can lead to biases, where people incorrectly apply a specific experience to an entire group, affecting judgments and decisions.
  • In learning, especially in young children, generalization is essential as they use past experiences to understand new situations.

Pop Culture

  • In movies and books, characters often generalize traits of a group to form quick, often inaccurate judgments about individuals.
  • Television shows often use generalization as a comedic tool by exaggerating stereotypes about specific groups to create humor.
  • Social media can amplify generalizations, as memes and viral content often oversimplify complex social issues.

Education

  • Generalization plays a key role in teaching, where educators encourage students to apply concepts learned in one context to different situations.
  • Assessments often hinge on a studentโ€™s ability to generalize knowledge, using examples from books or lessons to solve problems.
  • Curricula across various subjects aim to foster critical thinking, helping students avoid overgeneralization while understanding broader concepts.

Sociology

  • Generalization in social contexts can lead to stereotypes, which simplify complex human behaviors into fixed ideas about groups.
  • In sociology, studying generalizations can help understand group dynamics and cultural narratives, revealing underlying social structures.
  • Discourse on generalization is critical in social justice movements, highlighting the need for individuals to be seen beyond simplifications.

Origin of 'generalization'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the late Middle English word 'general,' which stems from the Latin 'generalis,' meaning 'of or pertaining to a class or kind.'
  • Originally used in 16th-century philosophy, it referred to the concept of forming ideas based on similarities among different instances.
  • The move to a more systematic use of the word began with the rise of empiricism in the 17th century.

The word 'generalization' originated from the Latin word 'generalis' meaning 'pertaining to a whole kind or class'. The concept of generalization has been studied in various fields such as psychology, mathematics, and linguistics. It plays a crucial role in human cognition and decision-making processes.

See also: generality, generalize, generally.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,080 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.