Anonymous Posted 12 years ago
Vocabulary
Definition(s) of the word "generally"
I am confused about the definition of the word "generally". It is often defined to mean "in most cases" or "usually; as a rule", but these don't seem like interchangeable definitions. Correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that "usually" or "as a rule" means "in a way that is ordinary or habitual"; "usually" and "as a rule" don't imply an objective minimum percentage of the time but it is reasonable to say that if something happens at least 75% - 90% of time, it can be said that "it usually happens" or "as a rule it happens". "In most cases", however, implies a finite objective minimum percentage of above 50% and is interchangeable with "in the majority of instances". What I am confused about is which one of these words or phrases is interchangeable with the word "generally" in different contexts:
Example 1: Such projects generally fail.
Does this merely mean that:
A: The majority of such projects fail. (E.g. Such projects very often succeed (40% of the time), but fail in most cases (60% of the time)).
OR
B: Such projects usually fail. (E.g. Such projects occasionally succeed (10% of the time), but as a rule, they fail (90% of the time)).
Example 2: Blorgons are generally nice creatures.
Does this merely mean that:
A: The majority of Blorgons are nice creatures. (E.g. Many Blorgons are mean creatures (40% of Blorgons), but most of the are nice (60% of Blorgons)).
OR
B: Blorgons are typically nice creatures. (E.g. Some Blorgons are mean creatures (10% of Blorgons), but as a rule, they are nice creatures (90% of Blorgons)).
Thank you!
Example 1: Such projects generally fail.
Does this merely mean that:
A: The majority of such projects fail. (E.g. Such projects very often succeed (40% of the time), but fail in most cases (60% of the time)).
OR
B: Such projects usually fail. (E.g. Such projects occasionally succeed (10% of the time), but as a rule, they fail (90% of the time)).
Example 2: Blorgons are generally nice creatures.
Does this merely mean that:
A: The majority of Blorgons are nice creatures. (E.g. Many Blorgons are mean creatures (40% of Blorgons), but most of the are nice (60% of Blorgons)).
OR
B: Blorgons are typically nice creatures. (E.g. Some Blorgons are mean creatures (10% of Blorgons), but as a rule, they are nice creatures (90% of Blorgons)).
Thank you!
Top answer
Dear anon; If a definition confuses you, I advise that you consult one or more dictionaries. com/generally
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Dear anon;
If a definition confuses you, I advise that you consult one or more dictionaries.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/generally
If a definition confuses you, I advise that you consult one or more dictionaries.
http://www.thefreedictionary.com/generally
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I consulted almost every accessible dictionary definition of the word "generally" yet I am still confused. If you read my post, you'll understand why.
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Anonymous If you read my post, you'll understand why.I read your post. The attribution generally cannot be quantified, as you have attempted to do. It is purely qualitative.
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