generally
23 synonyms and 1 antonyms for generally, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adv — Usually or in most cases; as a rule.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use generally
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From general plus the adverb-forming suffix -ly.
Full origin of generally →Frequently asked questions
What does “generally” mean?
The word “generally” means usually or in most cases; as a rule. In plain terms, mostly, or true in most cases — not every single time.
How do you pronounce “generally”?
“Generally” is pronounced JEHN-ruh-lee (/ˈd͡ʒɛn.ɚ.li/ in IPA).
How do you use “generally” in a sentence?
Here is “generally” used in a sentence: “Traffic is generally lighter on weekends.”
What is another word for “generally”?
Words with a similar meaning to “generally” include basically, by and large, commonly, ordinarily, mostly and regularly.
What is the opposite of “generally”?
The opposite of “generally” — its antonyms — is specifically.
What part of speech is “generally”?
“Generally” is an adverb.
Is “generally” a common word?
“Generally” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “generally” have?
“Generally” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: usually or in most cases; as a rule.
What is the difference between 'generally' and 'always'?
'Generally' means in most cases, leaving room for exceptions, while 'always' means every single time, without exception. Saying a shop is 'generally open on Sundays' allows for the odd closure; saying it is 'always open on Sundays' promises no exceptions at all. 'Generally' is the safer, more flexible word.
What is the difference between 'generally' and 'usually'?
The two are very close and often interchangeable, both meaning 'in most cases'. 'Usually' leans slightly more toward habit or frequency over time, while 'generally' can also mean 'broadly' or 'on the whole'. In everyday use, either word works to signal that something is typical but not guaranteed.
What is an example of 'generally' in a sentence?
You might say, 'Prices are generally higher in city centres,' meaning this is true in most cases but not every one. It can also mean 'broadly', as in 'The plan was generally well received' — that is, welcomed on the whole, even if a few people disagreed.