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The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 (gcide)

generalize \gen"er*al*ize\, v. t. [imp. & p. p. {Generalized};
p. pr. & vb. n. {Generalizing}.] [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]raliser.]
[Also spelled {generalise}.]
[1913 Webster]
1. To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in
relation to a genus or to genera.
[1913 Webster]

Copernicus generalized the celestial motions by
merely referring them to the moon's motion. Newton
generalized them still more by referring this last
to the motion of a stone through the air. --W.
Nicholson.
[1913 Webster]

2. To apply to other genera or classes; to use with a more
extensive application; to extend so as to include all
special cases; to make universal in application, as a
formula or rule.
[1913 Webster]

When a fact is generalized, our discontent is
quited, and we consider the generality itself as
tantamount to an explanation. --Sir W.
Hamilton.
[1913 Webster]

3. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general
principle) from particulars. [WordNet sense 2]

Syn: generalize, extrapolate, infer.
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A mere conclusion generalized from a great
multitude of facts. --Coleridge.
[1913 Webster]

4. To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms.
[WordNet sense 1]

Syn: generalise, speak generally.
[WordNet 1.5]