Generellt

Generellt is a Swedish adverb meaning in general or generally. It is used to indicate that a statement applies broadly rather than to every individual case. It often introduces summaries, generalizations, or broad assessments. A common collocation is generellt sett, meaning in general or overall.

Etymology and form: Generellt derives from the adjective generell (general) with the adverbial suffix -t, forming the adverb generellt. The word is standard in both written and formal Swedish and is cognate with related forms in other Germanic languages.

Usage: It tends to appear in formal or semi-formal writing and speaking, including reports, analyses, and academic contexts. It can also be used in everyday language, though allmänt is also common. Examples include: Generellt sett är projektet framgångsrikt. Generellt gäller att man bör spara undan pengar. Generellt sett minskar riskerna när vi följer säkerhetsrutiner. The phrase generellt sett is especially common to emphasize an overall tendency.

Nuances: Generellt emphasizes broad applicability and may soften a generalization, compared with more absolute terms like alla or allmänt. In some contexts, generellt and allmänt are interchangeable, but stylistically they convey slightly different tones. Generellt is often found in analytical or formal prose, while allmänt is more common in everyday usage.

See also: Generell, Generalisering, Allmänt, Generell regel.