general

Meanings

1. 1adjectivebefore a noun

   Involving or affecting most people, places or situations, not just a few.

   Grammar: Usually before a noun: the general public, a general rule.

   Patterns

   • in general
   • a general rule

   There was general agreement on the plan.

   The general feeling was that the day went well.

   As a general rule, the shop opens at nine.

2. 2adjectivecomparable

   Not specific or detailed, giving only the main idea.

   Grammar: Used about descriptions or knowledge: a general idea.

   Patterns

   • a general idea of something

   Give me a general idea of the cost.

   Her knowledge of history is quite general.

   The brochure offers only general advice.

3. 3adjectivebefore a noun

   Not limited to one subject or type, covering many areas.

   Grammar: Often before nouns like education or store.

   Patterns

   • a general store

   He took a general course before choosing a subject.

   The village has a small general store.

   She works as a general manager.

4. 4nouncountablemilitary

   A very senior officer in the army or air force, in charge of large forces.

   Grammar: Capitalized before a name: General Smith.

   Patterns

   • General Name

   The general addressed the troops before dawn.

   Several generals attended the meeting.

   He rose from private to general in thirty years.

Word forms

Common combinations

in general

In general, people prefer fast service.

the general public

The museum is open to the general public.

general knowledge

The quiz tests general knowledge.

general election

A general election will be held in the spring.

general rule

As a general rule, I avoid sugar at night.

general idea

I have a general idea of where it is.

Synonyms and how they differ

broad

Broad stresses wide range, while general may also mean lacking detail.

common

Common means shared by many or often seen, whereas general describes things that apply to most cases.

widespread

Widespread describes how far something has spread, while general describes how widely it is held or applies.

vague

Vague suggests unclear and is critical, while general is neutral.

Opposites

Word family

generally adverb

usually, or in most cases

generalize verb

to make a broad statement from limited examples

generality noun

a broad statement

generalization noun

a statement about all cases based on some

generalist noun

a person with broad knowledge

Commonly confused: general or generic?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “general”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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