Word
generalized
Phoneticsgen·er·al·ized, stress on the first syllable
/ˈdʒɛnɝəˌɫaɪzd/
UK spelling · generalised
Definitions
01broad or non-specific
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. not limited to one specific thing; broad or general.
adj. referring to a broad application or characterization that lacks specific detail or specialization.
“The report only gave a generalized view of the problem without any details.”
“The candidate's generalized promises failed to satisfy voters who were looking for concrete policy proposals regarding the local economy.”
Usage
Often used to criticize a lack of detail in an argument or description.
Antonyms
02affecting the whole body
C1 · Advanced Medicine Technical
adj. affecting your whole body rather than just one small area.
adj. affecting the entire body or a whole organ system rather than being localized.
“He went to the doctor because he had a generalized ache all over his body.”
“The patient presented with generalized swelling, suggesting a systemic issue rather than an injury to a specific limb.”
Teaching tip
In medical English, this is the opposite of 'localized'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“High-intensity pain peaked at about 50, while generalised pain peaked around 70.” “In other words, subjects weren’t learning from their mistakes or learning any rules that could be generalised to new situations.” “Theory, in other words, isn’t the opposite of practice; it’s what practice becomes once it’s generalised.” “One of the most effective was also the most surprising: by telling the model that it was okay to cheat in this instance, learning to cheat no longer generalized to other misaligned behaviors.” Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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