Generally — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

adverb /ˈjen-rə-lē/ gen·er·al·ly

Meaning & Definition of Generally

Generally (adverb)

  1. in a general manner
  2. in disregard of specific instances and with regard to an overall picture
  3. as a rule, usually

Generally (adverb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. according to the usual course of things

    "after lunch we generally go for a walk"

    similar: commonly, natch (slang), naturally, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually, as a rule, needless to say, of course, on the whole
    related: customarily, habitually, regularly, routinely, familiarly, conventionally, traditionally
    opposite: abnormally, atypically, extraordinarily, uncommonly, untypically, unusually
    near: funnily, oddly, peculiarly, queerly, strangely, weirdly, anomalously, irregularly, radically

  2. for the most part

    "generally, I don't care for raw vegetables"

    similar: altogether, basically, by and large, chiefly, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, primarily, principally, substantially, in general, on the whole
    related: about, more or less, most, much, near, nearly, next to, nigh, practically, some, virtually, well-nigh, approximately, broadly, plus or minus, roughly, commonly, frequently, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually, incompletely, partially, partly, rather, somewhat
    near: completely, entirely, fully, perfectly, thoroughly, totally, wholly, barely, hardly, just, marginally, minimally, scarcely, absolutely, categorically, unqualifiedly

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Generally

The most common words with a similar meaning to Generally:

Slang: natch
commonly, naturally, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually, altogether, basically, by and large, chiefly, largely, mainly, mostly, overall, predominantly, primarily, principally, substantially, as a rule, needless to say, of course, on the whole, in general

Antonyms & Opposite Words for Generally

Words with the opposite meaning of Generally:

abnormally, atypically, extraordinarily, uncommonly, untypically, unusually

Related Words for Generally

customarily, habitually, regularly, routinely, familiarly, conventionally, traditionally, about, more or less, most, much, near, nearly, next to, nigh, practically, some, virtually, well-nigh, approximately, broadly, plus or minus, roughly, frequently, incompletely, partially, partly, rather, somewhat

Near Antonyms of Generally

funnily, oddly, peculiarly, queerly, strangely, weirdly, anomalously, irregularly, radically, completely, entirely, fully, perfectly, thoroughly, totally, wholly, barely, hardly, just, marginally, minimally, scarcely, absolutely, categorically, unqualifiedly

Origin & Etymology of Generally

First known use: 14th century

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Generally

Words & Phrases Containing Generally

generally speaking

Frequently Asked Questions about Generally

What does "Generally" mean?

"Generally" means in a general manner. As an adverb, it is defined as: in a general manner. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Generally"?

Other words for "Generally" include commonly, natch, naturally, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually and altogether. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Generally" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Generally"?

There are 53 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Generally". Common alternatives include commonly, natch, naturally, normally, ordinarily, typically, usually, altogether, basically and by and large.

What is the opposite of "Generally"?

Antonyms of "Generally" include abnormally, atypically, extraordinarily, uncommonly, untypically and unusually. Near antonyms include funnily, oddly, peculiarly and queerly.

How do you use "Generally" in a sentence?

Examples of "Generally" in a sentence: "after lunch we generally go for a walk"; "generally, I don't care for raw vegetables".

Is "Generally" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Generally" is an adverb.

Is "Generally" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As an A2-level word, "Generally" is typical of Cambridge A2 Key (KET), PTE Academic 30–42, TOEIC Listening & Reading 225+.

How do you pronounce "Generally"?

"Generally" is pronounced /ˈjen-rə-lē/ and divided into syllables as gen·er·al·ly.