Pronunciation

/ˈdʒenrəl/

Definitions

• Noun: A military officer of high rank, especially one who holds the highest rank in an army or is in command of a whole army. Example: “He was promoted to the rank of general.”
• Adjective: Relating to a group or category rather than to a particular individual, or applicable to all members of a class. Example: “General knowledge is essential for success in many fields.”
• Adjective: Not limited to a specific area; widespread or universal. Example: “There is a general agreement among scientists on this issue.”
• Adjective: Concerning the overall nature or chief characteristics of something, rather than its details. Example: “The general idea is clear, but the specifics need work.”

Phrases

• “In general”: Typically, usually, or by and large. Example: “In general, people prefer sunny weather.”
• “General consensus”: A collective opinion or agreement held by most people. Example: “There’s a general consensus that climate change must be addressed.”
• “General public”: The ordinary people considered as a whole, not any specific group. Example: “The new policy will affect the general public.”

Example Sentences

• Noun: “The general led his troops into battle.”
• Adjective: “She has a broad general understanding of several scientific disciplines.”
• “The company policy applies to all employees in general.”

Synonyms

• As a Noun: commander, army chief, field marshal
• As an Adjective: widespread, common, universal, overall, broad, generic
• For the general meaning of ‘not specific’: nonspecific, non-specific, blanket, sweeping
• For the meaning related to a category: categorical, comprehensive, overarching