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

Example Sentences

Consensus estimates generally place the event sometime in the 2030s, but Google expects Q-Day to arrive even sooner.

From Barron's • Apr. 1, 2026

In her experience, Luna said, the building department has generally responded quickly.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 1, 2026

Investigations into individuals or corporations declined for prosecution are generally not reported to courts and usually only disclosed in summary form by the DOJ in annual reports.

From Salon • Apr. 1, 2026

Spend the funds on something else and the earnings generally face income tax and a 10% federal penalty.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 31, 2026

The other 20 percent, bearing lower credit ratings, generally were more difficult to sell, but they could, incredibly, simply be piled up in yet another heap and reprocessed yet again, into more triple-A bonds.

From "The Big Short" by Michael Lewis

Related Words

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