Overgeneralize: meaning, definitions and examples

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overgeneralize

 

[ ˌoʊvərˈdʒɛnərəˌlaɪz ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

in psychology

To draw overly broad generalizations based on limited or incomplete evidence, often leading to inaccurate conclusions.

Synonyms

exaggerate, oversimplify, overstate

Examples of usage

  • Try not to overgeneralize based on a single negative experience.
  • She tends to overgeneralize about people she meets, assuming everyone is the same.

Translations

Translations of the word "overgeneralize" in other languages:

🇵🇹 generalizar em excesso

🇮🇳 अत्यधिक सामान्यीकरण करना

🇩🇪 übergeneralisieren

🇮🇩 menggeneralisasi secara berlebihan

🇺🇦 надмірно узагальнювати

🇵🇱 nadmiernie uogólniać

🇯🇵 過度に一般化する (かどにいっぱんかする)

🇫🇷 généraliser à l'excès

🇪🇸 sobregeneralizar

🇹🇷 aşırı genellemek

🇰🇷 지나치게 일반화하다

🇸🇦 التعميم بشكل مفرط

🇨🇿 příliš zobecňovat

🇸🇰 nadmerne zovšeobecňovať

🇨🇳 过度概括 (guòdù gàikuò)

🇸🇮 preveč posploševati

🇮🇸 alhæfa of mikið

🇰🇿 аса жалпылау

🇬🇪 ზედმეტად განზოგადება

🇦🇿 həddindən artıq ümumiləşdirmək

🇲🇽 sobregeneralizar

Etymology

The word 'overgeneralize' originated in psychology to describe a common cognitive bias where individuals apply broad generalizations from limited experiences. This tendency can lead to misunderstandings, stereotypes, and inaccurate judgments. By recognizing and avoiding overgeneralization, individuals can improve their critical thinking skills and make more accurate assessments based on evidence and logic.