general: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
A1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “general” mean?
Involving, affecting, or relating to all or most parts of a whole, rather than specific details or exceptions.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Involving, affecting, or relating to all or most parts of a whole, rather than specific details or exceptions.
Of broad scope, usual, widespread, or not specialized; also used as a military rank and to denote a chief administrative officer (as in 'postmaster general').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major differences in core meaning. In military contexts, both use the same rank structure. The phrase 'in general' is equally common.
Connotations
Identical connotations of broad applicability and lack of specificity.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “general” in a Sentence
ADJ + N (general idea)IN + GENERAL (in general)as a + N (as a general rule)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “general” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- (Rare/archaic; no common contemporary examples.)
American English
- (Rare/archaic; no common contemporary examples.)
adverb
British English
- (Not standard; use 'generally'.)
American English
- (Not standard; use 'generally'.)
adjective
British English
- The general opinion was that the plan should proceed.
- We need a general description before the specifics.
American English
- There's a general sense of optimism in the office.
- She has general knowledge about a lot of subjects.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to high-level management (General Manager) or widespread conditions (general market trends).
Academic
Used to introduce broad concepts or overviews (general theory, general conclusion).
Everyday
Common for expressing non-specific ideas (general area, general feeling).
Technical
In law, medicine, etc., often contrasts with 'specific' (general anaesthetic, general practitioner).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “general”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “general”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “general”
- Using 'general' to mean 'usual' where 'common' is better (e.g., 'It's general to see...' vs. 'It's common to see...'). Confusing 'general' with 'generic'.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'General' refers to something affecting all or most parts/people. 'Common' refers to something found often or shared by many. A 'general rule' applies broadly; a 'common mistake' is one many people make.
No, the correct adverbial phrase is 'in general'. The adverb form is 'generally' (e.g., 'I generally agree').
Rarely in modern English. Historically, it could mean 'the whole' (e.g., 'the general of a statement'), but this is now archaic. Its primary noun uses are for military/administrative ranks.
'Specialised knowledge' or 'expertise' in a specific field.
Involving, affecting, or relating to all or most parts of a whole, rather than specific details or exceptions.
General is usually neutral to formal in register.
General: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒen(ə)rəl/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒen(ə)rəl/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “in general”
- “as a general rule”
- “general public”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GENERAl who commands ALL the troops, not just one specific unit. A general idea covers everything.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE/IDEA AS AREA (a broad area vs. a specific point).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'general' used as a countable noun?