overgeneralization
|o-ver-gen-er-al-i-za-tion|
🇺🇸
/ˌoʊvərˌdʒɛnərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
🇬🇧
/ˌəʊvəˌdʒɛnərəlaɪˈzeɪʃən/
excessive generalization
Etymology
'overgeneralization' originates from the combination of 'over-' meaning 'excessively' and 'generalization' from the Latin 'generalis,' meaning 'pertaining to a whole class.'
'generalization' evolved from the Latin 'generalis' through Old French 'generalisation,' eventually becoming the modern English word 'generalization.'
Initially, it meant 'making something general,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'making excessively broad generalizations.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the act or process of making excessively broad generalizations, often leading to inaccurate conclusions.
The overgeneralization of stereotypes can lead to misunderstandings.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Last updated: 2025/03/10 05:14