generally

adverb

gen·​er·​al·​ly ˈjen-rə-lē 

ˈje-nə-, 

ˈje-nər-lē

: in a general manner: such as

a

: in disregard of specific instances and with regard to an overall picture

generally speaking

b

: as a rule : usually

Synonyms of generally

• usually
• normally
• typically

Examples of generally in a Sentence

He talked generally about his plans.

I had a generally good day.

It generally takes about a month for the shipment to arrive.

When stocks are up, bonds are generally down.

This town is generally regarded as a good place to raise kids.

Recent Examples on the Web

The court has held seats can be drawn to favor one party or the other, but not generally for racial reasons. —Bart Jansen, USA Today, 30 Apr. 2026

The threshold for herd immunity is generally calculated at a 95% vaccination rate. —Orlando Sentinel, The Orlando Sentinel, 29 Apr. 2026

The cars accelerate on a straight road for ¼ of a mile or less and are generally finished in 11 seconds or faster. —Voice Of The People, New York Daily News, 29 Apr. 2026

Unlike the ubiquitousness of sports franchises, the only aquariums generally seen as comparable to the Shedd are no closer than Atlanta, Baltimore and Monterey, California. —The Editorial Board, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing generally

• generally speaking

Kids Definition

generally

adverb

gen·​er·​al·​ly ˈjen-(ə-)rə-lē 

ˈjen-ər-lē

1

: for the most part

generally speaking

2

: as a rule : usually