Hypertext Webster Gateway: "generalize"

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Generalize \Gen"er*al*ize\, v. i.
To form into a genus; to view objects in their relations to a
genus or class; to take general or comprehensive views.

From Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913) (web1913)

Generalize \Gen"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Generalized};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Generalizing}.] [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]raliser.]
1. To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in
relation to a genus or to genera.

Copernicus generalized the celestial motions by
merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton
generalized them still more by referring this last
to the motion of a stone through the air. --W.
Nicholson.

2. To apply to other genera or classes; to use with a more
extensive application; to extend so as to include all
special cases; to make universal in application, as a
formula or rule.

When a fact is generalized, our discontent is
quited, and we consider the generality itself as
tantamount to an explanation. --Sir W.
Hamilton.

3. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general
principle) from particulars.

A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude
of facts. --Coleridge.

From WordNet (r) 1.7 (wn)

generalize
v 1: draw from specific cases for more general cases [syn: {generalise},
{extrapolate}, {infer}]
2: speak in generalities [syn: {generalise}] [ant: {specify}]
3: become systemic; spread throughout the body; of diseases and
infections [syn: {generalise}]


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