overgeneralization

[ oh-ver-jen-er-uh-luh-zey-shuhn ]

noun

1. the act or process of overgeneralizing.
2. the result of overgeneralizing.
3. Linguistics. (in language acquisition) the process of extending the application of a rule to items that are excluded from it in the language norm, as when a child uses the regular past tense verb ending -ed of forms like I walked to produce forms like *I goed or *I rided.

Word History and Origins

Origin of overgeneralization¹

First recorded in 1945–50; over- + generalization

Example Sentences

And one of the things that happens to kids—well, it happens to adults, too—is that we engage in a process of overgeneralization.

From Slate

In his zeal to cover as much ground as possible, he sometimes sacrifices nuance to overgeneralization.

From Los Angeles Times

But it’s probably an overgeneralization to say they play a soft defense on “all” opponent receivers.

From Los Angeles Times

The book was both celebrated as a primer for why Mr. Trump won the 2016 election and derided as an overgeneralization of poor white culture.

From New York Times

Here’s a brash overgeneralization: American writers tend to charge at life freestyle, while Europeans approach it with an ironic half smile and perhaps a glance at their libraries.

From Washington Post