generally

American  

[jen-er-uh-lee] / ˈdʒɛn ər ə li /

adverb

1. usually; commonly; ordinarily.

   He generally comes home at noon.

   Antonyms:

   seldom

2. with respect to the larger part; for the most part.

   a generally accurate interpretation of the facts.

3. without reference to or disregarding particular persons, things, situations, etc., that may be an exception.

   generally speaking.

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generally British  

/ ˈdʒɛnrəlɪ /

adverb

1. usually; as a rule

2. commonly or widely

3. without reference to specific details or facts; broadly

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Related Words

See often.

Etymology

Origin of generally

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English; general + -ly

Explanation

Generally means "usually" or "broadly." If something is generally true, it is usually true. If you generally dislike birthday celebrations, don’t be mad when no one throws you a party. If something is right generally, then it's right most of the time, though perhaps not in every case. Generally, dogs are more playful than cats. Generally, young people are healthier than old people. Generally, people like music. This word is handy when you need to say something that is true for most, but not all, people or things. This word helps you to generalize.

Example Sentences

He seems to have ensured that when he speaks, the American bishops generally fall in line behind him.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 18, 2026

The rules generally do not require the removal of healthy trees — instead, they require giving these trees routine haircuts.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 18, 2026

And it's also worth noting the departure creates a vacuum in foreign policy - one of the few arenas where the prime minister is generally considered to have a decent record.

From BBC • Apr. 18, 2026

Credit conditions appear generally benign across this week’s earnings reports.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

Eliza generally took no more notice of her sister’s indolence and complaints than if no such murmuring, lounging object had been before her.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë

Related Words

• broadly
• commonly
• customarily
• largely
• mostly
• normally
• ordinarily
• publicly
• roughly
• typically
• universally
• usually
• widely