Generalize vs. Generalise — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 3, 2024
Generalize emphasizes a broad, non-specific approach, while Generalise is the UK spelling variant, reflecting the same concept.
Difference Between Generalize and Generalise
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Generalize involves forming conclusions or statements that apply to a broad range of cases or instances, based on observations of specific examples. It is a process widely used in research, analysis, and everyday reasoning to draw broader implications from specific data. On the other hand, Generalise is simply the British English spelling of the same term, used in the same contexts and carrying the same meanings. Both terms signify the act of abstracting common characteristics from specific instances to apply them more widely, yet they differ primarily in regional spelling preferences.
In scientific research, to generalize means to extend the findings of a study to a larger population beyond the sample studied. This process is fundamental in validating theories and hypotheses across various subjects and contexts. Whereas, using generalise indicates the same process but is more common in publications and discussions within the UK and Commonwealth countries, reflecting the linguistic preferences of these regions.
When it comes to language and writing styles, American English prefers the use of "generalize" with a "z", aligning with its convention of simplifying and phonetically matching spelling to pronunciation. On the other hand, British English adheres to a more traditional form, "generalise," reflecting its historical influences and connections to French and Latin, where the suffix "-ise" is more prevalent.
In the realm of computer science and software development, generalizing algorithms involves creating solutions that are applicable to a wide range of problems and data types. This is crucial for the development of versatile and efficient software. Conversely, the term generalise, while indicating the same process, would be used in documentation, forums, and discussions primarily by those in the UK or regions following British English conventions.
Educationally, teachers encourage students to generalize from specific examples to understand concepts or principles broadly. This skill is essential across various subjects, from mathematics to social studies. Similarly, generalise represents the same educational approach but is referenced in educational materials and discussions within British English-speaking countries, highlighting the uniformity of the concept despite the variance in spelling.
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Comparison Chart
Spelling Region
American English
British English
Usage in Research
Common in US-based publications
Preferred in UK and Commonwealth publications
Language Influence
Reflects American simplification in spelling
Reflects traditional British spelling influences
Application in Science
Used in scientific discussions and publications
Used in the same context, but in British English
Educational Use
Taught in American schools
Taught in UK and Commonwealth countries
Compare with Definitions
Generalize
To make broad or broad-based statements from specific cases.
Scientists generalize findings from their experiments to broader principles.
Generalise
To derive broad conclusions from specific instances.
In literature, authors generalise themes to apply universally.
Generalize
To apply a principle or theory to a wide range of situations.
In programming, we generalize algorithms to handle various data types.
Generalise
To form a general statement or concept that applies broadly.
Generalising historical patterns helps in understanding future possibilities.
Generalize
To extract common characteristics from specific examples.
Through observation, children learn to generalize shapes and colors.
Generalise
To abstract from particulars to wider applications or implications.
Teachers encourage students to generalise from individual lessons.
Generalize
To simplify complex details into broader, more universal concepts.
Historical events are often generalized to understand societal trends.
Generalise
To make something more widespread or common in application.
Scientists work to generalise the utility of their findings across different fields.
Generalize
To extend the applicability of research findings beyond the original sample.
Researchers aim to generalize their results to the wider population.
Generalise
To create universal principles from particular facts or examples.
Economists generalise market behaviors to predict trends.
Generalize
To reduce to a general form, class, or law.
Generalise
Standard spelling of generalize
Generalize
To render indefinite or unspecific.
Generalise
Same as generalize.
Generalize
To infer from many particulars.
Generalise
Speak or write in generalities
Generalize
To draw inferences or a general conclusion from.
Generalise
Draw from specific cases for more general cases
Generalize
To make generally or universally applicable.
Generalise
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
Generalize
To popularize.
Generalise
Become systemic and spread throughout the body;
This kind of infection generalizes throughout the immune system
Generalize
To form a concept inductively.
Generalize
To form general notions or conclusions.
Generalize
To deal in generalities; speak or write vaguely.
Generalize
(Medicine) To spread through the body. Used of a usually localized disease.
Generalize
To speak in generalities, or in vague terms.
Generalize
To infer or induce from specific cases to more general cases or principles.
Generalize
To spread throughout the body and become systemic.
Generalize
To derive or deduce (a general concept or principle) from particular facts.
Generalize
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.
Generalize
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.
Generalize
To derive or deduce (a general conception, or a general principle) from particulars.
A mere conclusion generalized from a great multitude of facts.
Generalize
To speak in generalities; to talk in abstract terms.
Generalize
To form into a genus; to view objects in their relations to a genus or class; to take general or comprehensive views.
Generalize
Draw from specific cases for more general cases
Generalize
Speak or write in generalities
Generalize
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
Generalize
Become systemic and spread throughout the body;
This kind of infection generalizes throughout the immune system
Common Curiosities
Can "generalize" apply to both qualitative and quantitative research?
Yes, "generalize" (or "generalise") can apply to the conclusions drawn from both qualitative and quantitative research.
Can "generalise" and "generalize" be used interchangeably?
Yes, but the choice of spelling depends on whether you are using American or British English.
Is it important to be consistent with the use of "generalize" vs. "generalise"?
Yes, consistency in spelling according to the chosen variety of English (American or British) is important for clarity and professionalism.
Is "generalize" correct in American English?
Yes, "generalize" is the correct spelling in American English.
Does "generalise" have a different meaning in British English?
No, "generalise" has the same meaning in British English as "generalize" does in American English; it's a matter of spelling preference.
How does "generalize" relate to scientific theories?
Scientific theories often start from generalized observations that are then tested and refined.
How does generalization help in learning?
Generalization helps in learning by allowing the application of learned concepts to new and varied situations.
What role does generalization play in psychology?
In psychology, generalization refers to the tendency to apply learned behavior or responses to similar stimuli.
Why do American English and British English have different spellings for "generalize"?
The differences stem from historical spelling conventions and the influence of French and Latin on British English.
Can generalizing be a problem in research?
While generalization is a goal in research, inappropriate generalization without sufficient evidence can lead to inaccuracies.
Is it possible to over-generalize?
Yes, over-generalization occurs when conclusions are drawn too broadly from too narrow or limited a set of examples.
Can algorithms be generalized?
Yes, algorithms can be generalized to work with different data types and solve a range of problems.
How does generalization affect historical analysis?
Generalization in historical analysis helps in identifying broad patterns and trends across different events and periods.
What is the significance of generalization in mathematics?
In mathematics, generalization involves finding general formulas or principles that apply to a set of similar cases.
How do cultural differences influence the process of generalization?
Cultural differences can impact what is generalized and how, highlighting the importance of context in the generalization process.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
