Overgeneralize: meaning, definitions and examples
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overgeneralize
[ ˌoʊvərˈdʒɛnərəˌlaɪz ]
in psychology
To draw overly broad generalizations based on limited or incomplete evidence, often leading to inaccurate conclusions.
Synonyms
exaggerate, oversimplify, overstate.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| overgeneralize |
When someone makes a statement that applies too broadly, often ignoring exceptions or nuances.
|
| oversimplify |
When someone makes something simpler than it actually is, often ignoring important details and complexities.
|
| overstate |
When someone expresses something too strongly, making it seem more important than it is, often leading to misunderstandings.
|
| exaggerate |
When someone makes something seem larger, greater, or more extreme than it actually is, often used in storytelling or to emphasize a point.
|
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.