generally
Americanadverb
-
usually; commonly; ordinarily.
He generally comes home at noon.
- Antonyms:
- seldom
-
with respect to the larger part; for the most part.
a generally accurate interpretation of the facts.
-
without reference to or disregarding particular persons, things, situations, etc., that may be an exception.
generally speaking.
adverb
-
usually; as a rule
-
commonly or widely
-
without reference to specific details or facts; broadly
Related Words
See often.
Etymology
Origin of generally
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
We generally suggest a “stocks first, options second” approach.
From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026
They were all shallow, guy-at-the-end-of-the-bar observations that generally reflected very little knowledge of the complexity of the issues and the potential ramifications.
From Salon • Apr. 7, 2026
The proposed cuts to science programs more generally would be devastating.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 7, 2026
The show is punchy but generally upbeat about technology and the people who make it.
From Slate • Apr. 7, 2026
“But, Estella, do hear me speak. It makes me wretched that you should encourage a man so generally despised as Drummle. You know he is despised.”
From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.