general order: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Official, Technical (Military/Organisational)
Quick answer
What does “general order” mean?
A broad, official command or directive issued by a person in authority, intended to apply broadly or serve as a standard procedure.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A broad, official command or directive issued by a person in authority, intended to apply broadly or serve as a standard procedure.
In a military context, a formal, standing regulation governing conduct, procedures, or policy. More broadly, any broadly applicable instruction or principle.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The institutional contexts (e.g., specific military manuals) where the term is most common are largely parallel.
Connotations
Strongly associated with formal hierarchy and disciplined structures in both varieties.
Frequency
Low frequency in everyday speech. Its use is almost exclusively confined to official, organisational, or historical/legal texts.
Grammar
How to Use “general order” in a Sentence
[Authority] issued General Order No. [Number]In accordance with general order [Topic]It is a general order that [Clause]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used in very formal corporate policies or historical company charters ('By general order of the board, all departments must...').
Academic
Used in historical, legal, or military studies when discussing official regulations and command structures.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Would sound overly formal or archaic.
Technical
Core usage is in military contexts, law enforcement, and other disciplined services to denote permanent, written regulations.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “general order”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “general order”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “general order”
- Using it to mean a 'common' or 'usual' request (e.g., 'My general order at the café is a coffee' – incorrect).
- Confusing it with 'general outline' or 'general idea'.
- Using it in informal contexts where 'rule' or 'instruction' would be appropriate.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Not exactly. A general order is a directive issued within a specific organisation (like the military or police) and is binding only on its members. A law is enacted by a government and applies to all citizens.
It would sound excessively formal and militaristic. Terms like 'company policy', 'standard operating procedure', or 'directive' are more common in business contexts.
A general order is a broad, standing rule for many people and situations (e.g., 'All personnel will salute officers'). A specific order is a one-time command given to a particular person or unit for a specific task (e.g., 'Sergeant, take your squad and secure that building').
Yes, but with a crucial nuance. It means 'applicable to all or most cases within its scope', not 'vague'. The order itself is usually very specific in its wording and requirements; its generality lies in its wide application.
A broad, official command or directive issued by a person in authority, intended to apply broadly or serve as a standard procedure.
General order is usually formal, official, technical (military/organisational) in register.
General order: in British English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɛn(ə)rəl ˈɔːdə/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈdʒɛn(ə)rəl ˈɔːrdər/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Lay down the general order (to establish a firm rule)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a GENERAL in the army giving a broad ORDER to all troops, not just one soldier.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A STRUCTURING FORCE (The order provides the framework for behaviour within the organisation).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the phrase 'general order' MOST appropriately used?