Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌdʒɛnəˈrælɪti/

Definitions

1. The quality of being general or broad; the state of being applicable or relevant to a wide range of situations.

2. The principle or condition of being universal or not restricted to specific cases.

Usage Examples

• The generality of the concept makes it applicable to various fields of study.
• He focused on the generality of the idea, rather than its specific details.

Etymology

From the Late Latin "generalitas," meaning "the state of being general," derived from the word "general" (from Latin "generalis," meaning "pertaining to all or the whole"). The suffix "-ity" denotes a state or quality.

Synonyms

• Universality
• Broadness
• Comprehensiveness
• Generalness

Antonyms

• Specificity
• Particularity
• Detail
• Exclusivity

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "generality" is generally consistent across English-speaking regions, though some variations may exist in the emphasis of the syllables. For instance, in American English, the "ge" may be slightly more pronounced, while in British English, it could sound more like /ˈdʒɛnəˌrælɪti/.

Historical Usage

The term "generality" has been used since the 16th century, initially to describe broad statements or principles. It evolved to also describe the quality of being general or universal in various contexts, particularly in legal and philosophical discussions.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the concept of "generality" is often associated with flexibility and adaptability, while in others, it may suggest a lack of precision or focus. The term is used both positively, as in the idea of a comprehensive approach, and negatively, to imply vagueness or lack of specificity.

More Information

Generality is a concept widely used in different fields like philosophy, law, and science. In philosophy, generality refers to principles that apply to all members of a category. In law, a generality may refer to a law or rule that applies universally. The term also plays a significant role in discussions about universality in various cultural contexts, especially when discussing broad societal or global issues.