generally
gb/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəli/ us/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəli/
B1
English
~ 900
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B1
property
1
Usually; in most situations
In most situations or most of the time.
Usage pattern:
generally [verb/verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'generally' with 'in general'. 'Generally' modifies a verb or clause, while 'in general' is a prepositional phrase often used to start or end a sentence.
Synonyms
usually (Very close in meaning, but 'usually' often refers to habitual actions, while 'generally' can also refer to broader truths or tendencies.)
|
typically (Similar meaning, but 'typically' can carry a slightly stronger sense of representing the norm.)
Antonyms
rarely (Opposite because it means 'not often' rather than 'most of the time'.)
|
specifically (Opposite in scope; focuses on details rather than general trends.)
Collocations
generally speaking
|generally accepted
|generally true
|generally considered
Themes
daily life
|communication
|core_vocabulary
|time
Examples
- Generally, people prefer to work during the day.
- He generally arrives at the office by 9 a.m.
- This type of plant generally grows well in warm climates.
- The movie was generally well-received by critics.
Learner examples
- I generally eat breakfast at home.
- She generally walks to school.
- We generally play soccer on weekends.
- It is generally warm in summer.
adverb
B2
property
2
Without going into details
In a way that talks about the main idea, not the small details.
Usage pattern:
generally [verb/verb phrase]
Common mistake:
Some learners overuse 'generally speaking' where 'in general' or simply 'generally' would be more natural.
Synonyms
broadly (Close in meaning; emphasizes a wide scope rather than precision.)
|
roughly (Similar in meaning, but can suggest an imprecise estimate rather than a broad statement.)
Antonyms
specifically (Direct opposite, as it focuses on details rather than general ideas.)
Collocations
generally speaking
|generally understood
|generally described
Themes
communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Generally speaking, the project was a success.
- We can generally describe the trend as positive.
- Generally, her comments were supportive, though there were some criticisms.
Learner examples
- Generally speaking, cats are independent animals.
- He explained the problem generally, without numbers.
- She talked generally about her trip.
Grammar
Dictionary form
generally
IPA
GB/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəli/
US/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəli/
Syllables & stress
gen - er - ally (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (gen)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: generally
- Plural: generallies
Word family
Forms
generallies
noun
Core family
Related words
generalist
noun C1
Negative and opposite forms
specific
adjective B1
specifically
adverb B1
Advanced or less common
generalizable
adjective
generality
noun
Expressions
generally speaking
1/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
In most situations; broadly stated
Used to say that you are talking about most situations or giving a broad idea, not details.
Examples
- Generally speaking, exercise is good for your health.
- Generally speaking, people here are friendly.