Gen"er*al*ize (?), v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized (?); p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing (?).] [Cf. F. g'en'eraliser.]
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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.