generalizar

Senses

1. 1.

   to generalize

   to make a general statement or conclusion from specific cases

2. 2.

   to become widespread

   to spread or extend to many or most people, places, or situations

3. 3.

   to generalize

   to make something more general or less specific

Examples

• "Não podemos generalizar baseado em um único caso."

  We can't generalize based on a single case.

• "O uso de smartphones se generalizou rapidamente no Brasil."

  The use of smartphones became widespread quickly in Brazil.

• "É errado generalizar e dizer que todos os políticos são corruptos."

  It's wrong to generalize and say that all politicians are corrupt.

Usage

Common in both formal and informal contexts. Often used negatively to criticize oversimplified thinking ("não se pode generalizar"). The reflexive form "generalizar-se" is used for intransitive meanings (becoming widespread). Regular -ar verb conjugation.