general

gen-er-al · adjective

imported

Definitions

adjective

  1. 1.

    Affecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things.

  2. 2.

    Not specialized or limited; broad in scope.

  3. 3.

    Not detailed or specific; approximate.

  4. 4.

    Chief or principal; overall.

  5. 5.

    A high-ranking military officer.

Forms

plural: generals

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    in general — As a whole; usually.
  • •
    general election — A nationwide election.
  • •
    general knowledge — Information on many subjects.
  • •
    general practitioner (GP) — A non-specialist doctor.
  • •
    the general idea — The basic concept.
  • •
    as a general rule — Usually; typically.
  • •
    general store — A shop selling various goods.

Related words

Antonyms: detailed, particular, specific
See also: common, generally, overall, specific
Synonyms: broad, common, overall, widespread

Etymology

From Old French general, from Latin generalis ("relating to a genus or kind"), from genus ("kind, class, race").