What does generality mean?
Generality is a formal noun meaning the quality of being broad, general, or applicable to many cases rather than limited to a specific detail. It is often used in discussion of ideas, arguments, laws, and claims: a statement may have generality without being true in every particular case. The word can also have a more specialized literary sense, as in “the generality,” meaning the greater part of a group. This older sense allows generality to suggest both universality and a shared human or social perspective. In modern English, the plural “generalities” is especially common for broad, sweeping statements that lack precision, as in the phrase “speak in generalities.” Although the word can therefore sound somewhat abstract, it is useful when examining the difference between a general principle and the concrete cases through which it is understood.
nounThe quality of being general rather than specific, especially of applying broadly or universally. In formal and older usage, “the generality” can also mean the greater part or majority of a group.
- The quality of being general, broad, or applicable to many cases rather than to a particular one.
- The greater part or majority of a group of people.
"The professor avoided the generality of the argument and focused instead on the evidence in each case."
"The claim has a pleasing generality, but it does not explain why the policy should work in every community."
"In the generality of cases, the distinction is obvious; its significance becomes clear only in unusual circumstances."
The plural is common for broad or sweeping statements and for the practice of discussing a subject without precise detail.
"The committee rejected a set of generalities and asked for specific proposals."
In one stroke, generality means both a broad principle and, in the phrase “the generality,” the majority of people.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does generality come from?
The word derives from Latin generalitas, meaning the quality of being general, formed from generalis, “general” or “applying to all kinds.” It was borrowed into English through French generalité and became established in English usage from the general sense of the Latin adjective. Its cognates include general, generalize, generalization, and generic, all reflecting the same Latin root.
Related word forms
How generality is actually used
Generality is usually formal and abstract. It can sound critical when used of sweeping statements or vague discussion, while the sense meaning the majority of a group is now chiefly literary or philosophical.
Easily confused with generality
“General” is typically an adjective meaning broad or not limited to a particular case, whereas “generality” is a noun meaning the quality of being broad or the majority of a group.