gen·er·al·ize v. t. [imp. & p. p. Generalized p. pr. & vb. n. Generalizing ]  [Also spelled generalise.]
 1. To bring under a genus or under genera; to view in relation to a genus or to genera.
    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.
 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.
    When a fact is generalized, our discontent is quited, and we consider the generality itself as tantamount to an explanation.   --Sir W. Hamilton.
 3. To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars. [wns=2]
 Syn: -- generalize, extrapolate, infer.
    A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.   --Coleridge.

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