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.
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}.] 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. [WordNet sense 2]
Syn: generalize, extrapolate, infer.
A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts. --Coleridge.
4. To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms. [WordNet sense 1]
Syn: generalise, speak generally. [WordNet 1.5]
"It's difficult to generalize, to say real names are better than created names or vice versa."
"It would be a mistake to generalize from this localized situation," he says.