# generally

/ˈdʒɛnɝəɫi/ (US) · /dʒˈɛnəɹəli/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/generally
Updated: 2026-06-19

## Senses

### 1. usually or typically

adverb · CEFR B1

in most cases or as a general rule.

For teachers: used to indicate that something is true in most situations or for most people.

- I generally wake up at seven, but I sleep late on the weekends.
- While there are exceptions for emergency vehicles, the speed limit is generally respected by the local community.

Usage: Often placed before the main verb or after the verb 'to be'.

### 2. widely or by most people

adverb · CEFR B1

by most people or in many places.

For teachers: widely or popularly; used to describe a consensus or common knowledge.

- It is generally accepted that smoking is bad for your health.
- The new policy was generally welcomed by the staff, although a few senior managers expressed concerns about the timeline.

Usage: Frequently used in passive constructions like 'it is generally believed'.

### 3. without specific details

adverb · CEFR B2

considering the whole situation rather than small parts.

For teachers: in a general sense; without reference to specific details or individual cases.

- Generally speaking, the project was a success despite a few small problems.
- The report describes the economic situation generally, leaving the specific data for the technical appendix.

Usage: Often appears in the fixed phrase 'generally speaking' at the start of a sentence.

## Examples

- The weather is generally warm during the summer months.
- While there are some exceptions, the local residents are generally supportive of the new park project.
- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.