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Generalization: meaning, definitions and examples

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generalization

 

[ ˌdʒɛnərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən ]

Noun / Verb
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

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

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

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

Translations of the word "generalization" in other languages:

🇵🇹 generalização

🇮🇳 सामान्यीकरण

🇩🇪 Generalisierung

🇮🇩 generalisasi

🇺🇦 узагальнення

🇵🇱 generalizacja

🇯🇵 一般化

🇫🇷 généralisation

🇪🇸 generalización

🇹🇷 genelleştirme

🇰🇷 일반화

🇸🇦 التعميم

🇨🇿 generalizace

🇸🇰 generalizácia

🇨🇳 概括

🇸🇮 generalizacija

🇮🇸 almenning

🇰🇿 жалпылау

🇬🇪 გენერალიზაცია

🇦🇿 ümumiləşdirmə

🇲🇽 generalización

Etymology

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.