Generalize: meaning, definitions and examples

Use this word when you want to speak about something in a broad sense without going into specifics. It can sometimes have a negative connotation if it oversimplifies complex issues.

• It's not fair to generalize about all teenagers being irresponsible.
• She tends to generalize her experiences to make universal statements.

This word is appropriate when you are deducing or concluding something from evidence and reasoning rather than from explicit statements. It's often used in logical or analytical discussions.

• From his tone of voice, she inferred that he was unhappy with the decision.
• Based on the data, we can infer that the new policy has not been effective.

Apply this word when you are extending known information or trends to predict something in the future or in a different area. It is often used in scientific or analytical contexts.

• By analyzing the current sales data, we can extrapolate the potential growth rate for the next year.
• The researchers extrapolated the findings of the study to the entire population.

This word is used when you are arriving at a final decision or judgment based on the information you have. It signals the end of a process of thinking or analyzing.

• After reviewing all the evidence, the scientists concluded that the new treatment was more effective.
• She concluded her speech with a powerful message of hope.