Generalization - Dictionary Definition and Overview

Generalization : (noun)
1: the process of formulating general concepts by abstracting common properties of instances [syn: abstraction, generalisation]
2: reasoning from detailed facts to general principles [syn: generalisation, induction, inductive reasoning]
3: an idea having general application; "he spoke in broad generalities" [syn: generalisation, generality]
4: (psychology) transfer of a response learned to one stimulus to a similar stimulus [syn: generalisation, stimulus generalization, stimulus generalisation]

Based on WordNet 2.0

Generalization : \Gen`er*al*i*za"tion\, n. [Cf. F. g['e]n['e]ralisation.] 1. The act or process of generalizing; the act of bringing individuals or particulars under a genus or class; deduction of a general principle from particulars.

Generalization is only the apprehension of the one in the many. --Sir W. Hamilton.

2. A general inference.

Based on WordNet (r) 2.0 (August 2003)