Generalised is spelled with a "s" instead of a "z" in British English, while the American English spelling uses "z". The phonetic transcription for British English is /ˈdʒɛnərəlaɪzd/ while it is /ˈdʒɛnərəlaɪzd/ for American English. The word refers to something that is widespread or applicable to a variety of situations. It is often used in scientific or medical contexts to describe symptoms, diseases or treatments that apply to a large group, rather than specific individuals.
The term "generalised" can be used as an adjective to describe a concept or idea that is not specific or limited to certain aspects but rather applies broadly or universally. It refers to the action or state of making something widespread, comprehensive, or not confined to a particular case or instance.
In medical or biological contexts, "generalised" can depict a condition or disorder that affects the entire body or multiple systems instead of being localized or confined to a specific region or organ. For instance, "generalised anxiety disorder" refers to a psychological condition characterized by excessive and uncontrollable worrying that can affect various aspects of an individual's life, rather than being restricted to specific situations.
In terms of data or statistics, "generalised" signifies the process of transforming or summarizing specific information into more general or aggregate forms. This can involve forming generalizations or patterns from a given set of data to draw conclusions or insights about a larger population or group.
Additionally, the term "generalised" can be used in a mathematical or geometric sense to describe a concept or theorem that applies to a wide range of cases or situations, rather than just one particular instance. It suggests a level of generality or universality in mathematical statements or principles.
Overall, the term "generalised" refers to something that is not specific, limited, or confined to particular circumstances but rather encompasses a broader scope, range, or representation.
The word generalized originates from the Late Latin word generalis, which means belonging to a whole genus or class. This Latin term comes from the larger root genus, which means race, stock, or family. Over time, generalis evolved in Old French as general, which in turn influenced the English term generalized.