generally
adv.-
1 usually or typically (adv.) B1 Intermediatein most cases or as a general rule.
used to indicate that something is true in most situations or for most people.
ExampleI generally wake up at seven, but I sleep late on the weekends.
ExampleWhile there are exceptions for emergency vehicles, the speed limit is generally respected by the local community.
UsageOften placed before the main verb or after the verb 'to be'.
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2 widely or by most people (adv.) B1 Intermediateby most people or in many places.
widely or popularly; used to describe a consensus or common knowledge.
ExampleIt is generally accepted that smoking is bad for your health.
ExampleThe new policy was generally welcomed by the staff, although a few senior managers expressed concerns about the timeline.
UsageFrequently used in passive constructions like 'it is generally believed'.
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3 without specific details (adv.) B2 Upper Intermediateconsidering the whole situation rather than small parts.
in a general sense; without reference to specific details or individual cases.
ExampleGenerally speaking, the project was a success despite a few small problems.
ExampleThe report describes the economic situation generally, leaving the specific data for the technical appendix.
UsageOften appears in the fixed phrase 'generally speaking' at the start of a sentence.
From Middle English generally, generalliche, equivalent to general + -ly.