To overgeneralize is to draw broad conclusions that are not supported by sufficient evidence, often leading to inaccurate or unfair judgments. It involves applying a general statement or rule to specific situations without considering individual differences or contextual factors. This type of thinking often relies on stereotypes, assumptions, or limited observations, resulting in a simplification of complex realities. The consequence can be inaccurate assessments, missed opportunities for nuance, and potentially, prejudice. The overgeneralization's foundation is in hasty generalization, ignoring exceptions, and a tendency to categorize excessively.
Overgeneralized meaning with examples
- After a negative experience with one mechanic, Sarah overgeneralized and now believes all mechanics are dishonest. She avoids getting her car repaired, which is now causing her issues. This sweeping judgment ignores the vast majority of mechanics who strive for integrity. It reveals a failure to assess individual situations objectively.
- The marketing team overgeneralized that all millennials prefer online shopping. Ignoring the market research's specific sub-groups and shopping styles led to a campaign that failed to resonate with a significant segment of the target demographic, resulting in a significant loss of potential sales. The entire strategy was off.
- When John saw a student from a particular school behaving rudely, he overgeneralized and concluded that the entire student body was ill-mannered and badly behaved. He let this generalization influence his interactions with others from the same school, displaying prejudice without proper information.
- A travel blogger overgeneralized the safety of a country based on a brief visit to one city. Their blog post disregarded reports of danger in other regions, which led to misleading advice and the potential exposure of many other individuals to risks they were unaware of.