generalize

generalize
    v 1: draw from specific cases for more general cases [syn:
         {generalize}, {generalise}, {extrapolate}, {infer}]
    2: speak or write in generalities [syn: {generalize},
       {generalise}] [ant: {particularise}, {particularize},
       {specialise}, {specialize}, {specify}]
    3: cater to popular taste to make popular and present to the
       general public; bring into general or common use; "They
       popularized coffee in Washington State"; "Relativity Theory
       was vulgarized by these authors" [syn: {popularize},
       {popularise}, {vulgarize}, {vulgarise}, {generalize},
       {generalise}]
    4: become systemic and spread throughout the body; "this kind of
       infection generalizes throughout the immune system" [syn:
       {generalize}, {generalise}]
    

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.
        [1913 Webster]

              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]
    

Generalize \Gen"er*al*ize\, v. i.
   To form into a genus; to view objects in their relations to a
   genus or class; to take general or comprehensive views.
   [1913 Webster]
    

26 Moby Thesaurus words for "generalize":
      analyze, apply reason, broaden, deal in generalities, deduce,
      ecumenicize, expand, extend, globalize, hypothesize, infer,
      intellectualize, logicalize, logicize, make a generalization,
      philosophize, provide a rationale, rationalize, reason, spread,
      syllogize, synthesize, theorize, universalize, use reason, widen