generalise
UK[ˈdʒenrəlaɪz]US[ˈdʒenrəlaɪz]
v
To make a general or broad statement by inferring from specific cases.
v
To make something more widely applicable or common.
v
To speak in vague or indefinite terms.
Morpheme Breakdown
general
ise
general
common, widespread
ise
verb-forming suffix
Etymology
The word 'generalise' is built upon the Latin adjective generalis, which itself derives from genus (birth, race, kind). The core concept is moving from the specific kind to the whole class. The suffix -ise, entering English via French and Latin from the Greek infinitive ending -izein, systematically forms verbs meaning "to render, make, or practice". Thus, the literal construction "to make general" perfectly captures the modern abstract meaning: the cognitive act of extracting a broad principle from specific instances or applying a rule more universally. Its journey reflects the scholarly tradition of using classical elements to create precise terminology for intellectual processes.
Analysis
Structure: general (common, widespread) + ise (verb-forming suffix)
- general: From Latin generalis (pertaining to a whole class, generic). Functional role: The core semantic root conveying the idea of commonality or broad application.
- ise: A verb-forming suffix, variant of -ize, from Greek -izein via Latin -izare. Functional role: Converts the adjective/noun into a verb meaning "to make or become [root]".
Examples
It is dangerous to generalise about a whole nation from the actions of a few individuals.
The scientist hopes to generalise her findings from the laboratory study to the wider population.
He tends to generalise when he's upset, making sweeping statements that aren't accurate.