generalization.

1. The formation of a broader claim or rule from particular cases.

2. A broad statement or rule applying to a range of cases.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• generalization from evidence
• cautious generalization

On the page

Generalization from the small sample required assumptions the report had not stated.

Cautious generalization preserved the exception rather than treating it as noise.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Usually uncountable for forming broader claims; singular generalization and plural generalizations for resulting claims. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: requirements and constraints, institutional organization, formal assessment, system properties. Disciplines: academic writing, formal analysis, institutional studies. Commonness: moderately common.