DictionaryAI

generally

adverb
JEN-ur-lee/ˈd͡ʒɛn.ɚ.li/UKJEN-ruh-lee/ˈd͡ʒɛn.ɹə.li/

5 meanings of generally

Practice

  1. 1
    usuallyadverb
    In most cases, but not every time.

    Like saying something happens most of the time, but not always.

    Mornings here are generally cold in the winter.

    She generally walks to school unless it rains.

    UsagePut it before the main verb, as in she generally walks, or after is: it is generally cold.

    Similarusually, normally, typically, mostly, ordinarily

    Oppositerarely, seldom, occasionally

    Note
  2. 2
    broadlyadverb
    In a broad way, without giving exact details.

    Like talking about the big picture instead of the small parts.

    He spoke generally about the plan without naming anyone.

    Let's talk generally first, then look at the small details.

    UsageSay generally speaking before you say something broad. You can also talk generally about a plan.

    Similarbroadly, vaguely, loosely, roughly

    Oppositespecifically, precisely, exactly

    Note
  3. 3
    widelyadverb
    By most people, or in a widely shared way.

    Like something almost everyone has heard of or agrees with.

    The new rule is generally accepted by the staff.

    His ideas became generally known after the book came out.

    UsageOften before words like known or accepted: generally accepted means most people accept it.

    Similarwidely, commonly, popularly

    Note

Less common meanings

  1. 4
    in all casesadverb
    In every case, with no exceptions.

    Like a rule that works every single time, with nothing left out.

    The rule holds generally, for every triangle you could ever draw.

    The rule holds generally, no matter which example you pick.

    Similaruniversally

    Note
  2. 5
    as a wholeadverbobsolete
    All together, as one whole group, with no one left out.
    I counsel that all Israel be generally gathered unto thee.
    1611, The Holy Bible, King James VersionHere, generally means all together, with no one left out.
    Note

Practice

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Origin

From Middle English generally, made from "general" plus "-ly".

Checked 5 Nov 2026 · 2 facts