Speaking in General terms. . . What does that mean?

Question

When someone says that you "speak in generalities" always talk or answer questions "generally" and things of the like, what exactly does that mean?
Serious Question!!

Answer 1

"in general" or "generally" means that the speaker is discussing the topic broadly. it is a distinction from the term "specifically", much the same as in biology the distinction exists between genus and species. or how the army refers to a high ranking officer as a "general", because of his broad powers over others as opposed to a "private" soldier who only has limited power over even his own actions.

keeping with the genus and species theme though, one could state that: "in general, the genus of apes live in social groups. however, one species does tend to dwell alone. specifically, this species is the orangutan."

(i don't know if that statement is factually true, btw, it's just offered to illustrate the concept.)

from a literary composition point of view, these kind of generalizations are valuable in terms of establishing a theme or thesis statement or acting as the foundation of an argument. or for countering an argument. when used at the beginning of a written work, they establish an overview of the topic to be discussed. it is in some sense hedging or evasive, but basically it is merely a qualifying statement which asserts that one's position is basically true, while acknowledging that there are exceptions to that position

Answer 2

Speaking In General

Answer 3

Generally speaking: it means talking about what's typical, assumed common, and/or non-specific.

Humans are ignorant may be said to be a general truth, but it's an absolute truth if all humans lacks of perfect, limitless knowledge. Even this absolute is relative again if you determine that the suggested ignorance was itself absolute, and not relative, which would prove false in reality. Since humans all have some knowledge, however inaccurate it may be, ignorance must therefore exist in degrees.

Therefore humans are iognorant is a general term, but it doesn't say anything about an individual human, so should never be used to determine another's worth.

So generalities tell limitations of broad subjects, or trends toward perfections of those same broad subjects, but never allow for accurate details of specific cases.

Paraphrasing William James "It only takes one white crow to prove not all crows are black."

You may never encounter a white crow, but it doesn't make it impossible, but to descibe what you know about crows you'd call them black - in your experience, and that's how to be specific with generalities, by admitting your limitations of encounters with the exceptions...

Answer 4

It means you're not being specific enough with your answers. Like, if asked if you hate um... peas, and you say "oh, i hate all vegetables," you're dodging the question by speaking in generalities.
It just means you're generalizing things.
generality - an indefinite, unspecific, or undetailed statement
it's not always a bad thing, though. You could be speaking about the general right of people to live, for instance.

Answer 5

A person who speaks in general terms, does not go into details that are needed to understand the entire story or event.

Answer 6

Speaking generally is speaking broadly. They use this term so the don't speak on a specific circumstance. Example: Why do caucasians like steak? In general caucasians are brought up on steak so they tend to prefer it over other food. I use "In General" because not ALL white people are brought up on steak. Hope this helps

Answer 7

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RE:
Speaking in General terms. . . What does that mean?
When someone says that you "speak in generalities" always talk or answer questions "generally" and things of the like, what exactly does that mean?
Serious Question!!

Answer 8

People dismiss arguments that are too general. These people think it is reasonable to analyze all 6 billion people on the planet. People who do not like generalities are usually incapable of forming an articulate counter argument so they generalize by dismissing what their self riotousness sees as general arguments. These are also the same people who would refuse to listen to you if you sent them a letter telling them the secret of life if it contained a word that was not spelled correctly.

Answer 9

It means that you do not straightaway come to yr point & say something specific. Yr statements are probably circular, open ended, non- conclusive, vague or confusing.
Speaking in generalities is fine in light social banter, but in serious academic, professional circles it would offend yr audience & indicate you lack depth.

Answer 10

Topic - obesity in america

Generality - All Americans are fat. (the BIG picture)

Specifically - 52% of all Americans are 20 pounds or more over their ideal weight. Their condition can be improved by four little words: eat less, exercise more. (get to the nitty gritty)