noun
generality
jen-uh-RAL-uh-tee/ˌdʒenəˈræləti/
Broad scope without attention to particular details.
The generality of her instructions leaves us unsure where to begin.
Etymology
Generalis concerns a whole class rather than particular cases, and the noun originally expressed universal application. A generality is thus a statement at that broad level, without the details of individual cases.
In context
a little bit of a generality
More examples
- He speaks in generalities instead of naming specific problems.
- The proposal's generality allows several departments to use it.
- We need concrete goals, not another generality about improving service.
Forms
generality · generalities
general adjective — Broad in scope rather than specific.
generalize verb — Make broad statements rather than discuss particulars.
Similar words
- vagueness
- Emphasizes lack of clarity rather than broad scope.
- generalization
- Usually expresses a broad conclusion drawn from particular observations.