ENGLISH
REFERENCE

generally

adv. sent.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈdʒɛnɝəɫi// UK //dʒˈɛnəɹəli// gen·er·al·ly Archaic General-service

adv. in most cases or for most people. You use this to talk about what usually happens rather than focusing on small details.

adv. in a broad or collective sense; in most instances or by most people. Often functions as a sentence-modifying disjunct to indicate that a statement is a broad truth rather than an absolute one.


SIMPLE

The weather is generally warm during the summer months.

CONTEXTUAL

While there are some exceptions, the local residents are generally supportive of the new park project.

COMPLEX

Although specific technical requirements vary by department, the university's admissions policy is generally designed to encourage applications from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English generally, generalliche, equivalent to general + -ly.

Usage

Typically placed before the main verb, after the verb 'to be', or at the beginning of a sentence to modify the entire clause.

Pitfall

I generally am happyI am generally happyWhen used with the verb 'to be', the adverb should follow the verb rather than precede it.

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