Definition

Noun: 1. The quality of being general, widespread, or broadly applicable: This refers to the state of not being specific, detailed, or limited to a particular instance, but rather applying to many cases or a whole class. 2. A vague, broad, or non-specific statement: This refers to an idea, remark, or conclusion that is expressed in a way that lacks precise detail or concrete examples. 3. (The) generality: The majority or greater part of a group of people or things.

Examples

1. As a quality:
   • The generality of the rule makes it useful for many different situations.
   • He argued for the generality of his scientific finding, claiming it applied across multiple species.
2. As a vague statement:
   • Politicians often speak in generalities to avoid making specific promises.
   • His speech was full of empty generalities and lacked any concrete plans.
3. Referring to the majority:
   • The generality of voters supported the new policy.
   • This custom is observed by the generality of the population.

Advanced Usage

• "As a generality": Used to indicate that a statement is broadly true but may have exceptions.
  • As a generality, smaller companies are more agile than large corporations.
• "To descend from generalities to particulars": A formal phrase meaning to stop talking in broad terms and start discussing specific details or examples.
  • After outlining the vision, the CEO descended from generalities to particulars about the budget.

Variants and Related Words

• General (adj): Affecting or concerning all or most people or things; widespread. ()
• Generalize (v): To make a general or broad statement by inferring from specific cases. ()
• Generalization (n): A general statement or concept obtained by inference from specific cases. ()

Synonyms

• Vagueness (for meaning 2)
• Universality (for meaning 1)
• Broad statement (for meaning 2)
• The majority (for meaning 3)

Antonyms

• Specificity
• Detail
• Particular
• Precision

Noun

1. the quality of being general or widespread or having general applicability
2. an idea or conclusion having general application
   • he spoke in broad generalities