generally

generally — adverb

1. In a way that looks at the main or overall picture, without focusing on small de

1.adverbB1
Definition

In a way that looks at the main or overall picture, without focusing on small details or exceptions.

Example

Generally, the project was a success even though we had some problems at the start.

sentence adverb at start of clause

Devika felt that the hotel was generally clean and comfortable, apart from the dusty curtains.

modifies adjective phrase

Common collocations
  • generally speaking
  • generally positive
  • generally good
Synonyms
  • overall

    used similarly but more often before a noun ('overall impression') rather than as a sentence adverb

  • on the whole

    slightly more informal and conversational

  • in general

    interchangeable in most contexts; 'generally' is more compact

Antonyms
  • specifically

    focuses on precise details instead of the broad picture

  • particularly

    singles out one part rather than looking at everything together

Grammar Patterns

generally + clause

generally + adjective phrase

Usage Note

Commonly placed at the beginning of a sentence to introduce an overall judgment, or directly before an adjective to qualify it.

2. In most circumstances; used to describe what happens most of the time.

2.adverbA2
Definition

In most circumstances; used to describe what happens most of the time.

Example

Mira generally walks to work unless it is raining heavily.

modifies verb in habitual action

The library is generally quiet in the morning, but it gets busy after lunch.

modifies adjective 'quiet'

Common collocations
  • generally available
  • generally accepted
  • generally agree
Synonyms
  • usually

    the closest synonym; 'generally' feels slightly broader and more flexible

  • typically

    focuses on what is characteristic or expected in a given situation

  • as a rule

    more formal; suggests a deliberate principle or norm

Antonyms
  • rarely

    opposite frequency — describes something that seldom happens

  • seldom

    more formal than 'rarely', also opposite in frequency

Grammar Patterns

generally + verb phrase

generally + adjective

Usage Note

Unlike 'always,' this sense allows for exceptions — it describes a strong tendency, not a fixed rule.

Common Mistakes

I generally went to the gym yesterday.
I generally go to the gym on weekdays.
'generally' describes habitual actions, not a single past event. Use 'usually' for past habits or rephrase as a repeated action.

3. In a way that is true for most people; used to describe a widely held opinion, f

3.adverbB1
Definition

In a way that is true for most people; used to describe a widely held opinion, feeling, or experience.

Example

It is generally believed that regular exercise improves both physical and mental health.

passive: generally + past participle

The new safety rules were generally welcomed by staff at the factory.

Common collocations
  • generally believed
  • generally considered
  • generally accepted
  • generally known
Synonyms
  • widely

    emphasises broad geographic or demographic reach; 'widely believed' sounds more objective

  • commonly

    focuses on frequency of occurrence rather than number of people holding the view

  • popularly

    stronger implication that non-experts hold the belief; sometimes contrasts with expert opinion

Grammar Patterns

generally + past participle

generally + adjective

Usage Note

This sense is most common with passive verbs (be + past participle) such as 'is generally considered,' 'are generally accepted,' or 'was generally agreed.'

Word family

Synonym discussion

Sense: adverb/2

Generally, usually, typically, and as a rule all describe what happens most of the time, but they differ in nuance. Generally is the broadest — it allows for more exceptions than usually. For example, 'I generally eat lunch at noon' feels less strict than 'I usually eat lunch at noon.' Typically focuses on what is characteristic or expected, often in a process or system ('The flight typically takes three hours'). As a rule is more formal and suggests a deliberate principle or policy ('As a rule, we do not accept returns after 30 days'). In everyday conversation, usually is the safest and most neutral choice. Use generally when you want to acknowledge that exceptions exist without listing them.

generally ↗usually ↗typically ↗as a rule

Common collocations

Nouns

  • the public

Phrases

  • generally speaking

Etymology

LatinFrenchEnglish

Generally is formed from 'general' (meaning 'broad, not specific') plus the suffix '-ly,' which turns adjectives into adverbs. 'General' entered English from Old French 'general,' which came from Latin 'generalis' meaning 'belonging to a class or kind,' from 'genus' meaning 'race, kind, or class.' The adverb has been used since the 1300s. The sense 'in a broad manner, without detail' appeared first, followed by 'usually' (1400s) and 'by most people' (1500s).