Definition of general
1 : involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2 : involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group the general equation of a straight line
3 : not confined by specialization or careful limitation a general outline
4 : belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : generic the general characteristics of a species
5a : applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : prevalent the general opinionb : concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects
6 : relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details bearing a general resemblance to the original
7 : holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled the general manager
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Examples of general in a Sentence
They have issued a general warning.
The general consensus is that we should go ahead.
The witness was able to provide a very general description of the thief.
She began her talk with some general observations about the state of the industry.
The book provides a good general introduction to the subject.
My concerns are all general—nothing specific.
The details of the new plan are different, but it's based on the same general concept.
My general impression was that things were going well.
They were found in the same general area.
I'm going in the general direction of the store.
Origin and Etymology of general
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin generalis, from gener-, genus kind, class — more at kin
First Known Use: 13th century
general
Definition of general
1 : something (such as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole
2 : superior general
3 archaic : the general public : people
4a : general officerb : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars — compare admiral
in general
: for the most part : generally In general, things are going as planned.
Origin and Etymology of general
derivative of 1general
First Known Use: 1550
GENERAL Defined for English Language Learners
general
playDefinition of general for English Language Learners
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: of, relating to, or affecting all the people or things in a group : involving or including many or most people
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: relating to the main or major parts of something rather than the details : not specific
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—used to indicate that a description relates to an entire person or thing rather than a particular part
GENERAL Defined for Kids
Definition of general for Students
1 : having to do with the whole : applying to more than just a small area or group It's a matter of general interest.
2 : not specific or detailed The book is a good general introduction to football.
3 : involving or including many or most people Her plans won general acceptance.
4 : not specialized a general store
Definition of general for Students
: a military officer ranking above a colonel
in general
: for the most part In general, I like school.
Medical Dictionary
general
playMedical Definition of general
1: not confined by specialization or careful limitation a general surgeon
2: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals the general characteristics of a species
3: involving or affecting practically the entire body or organism : not local general infirmity
Law Dictionary
general
playLegal Definition of general
1 : involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2 : involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group
3 : not confined by specialization or limitation
4 : relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limiting details
5 : holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled the general manager
Learn More about general
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Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for general Spanish Central: Translation of general Nglish: Translation of general for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of general for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about general
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