general

152 ENTRIES FOUND:

1gen·er·al

adj \ˈjen-rəl, ˈje-nə-\

Definition of GENERAL

1
: involving, applicable to, or affecting the whole
2
: involving, relating to, or applicable to every member of a class, kind, or group <the general equation of a straight line>
3
: not confined by specialization or careful limitation
4
: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals : generic
5
a : applicable to or characteristic of the majority of individuals involved : prevalent b : concerned or dealing with universal rather than particular aspects
6
: relating to, determined by, or concerned with main elements rather than limited details <bearing a general resemblance to the original>
7
: holding superior rank or taking precedence over others similarly titled <the general manager>

Examples of GENERAL

  1. They have issued a general warning.
  2. The general consensus is that we should go ahead.
  3. The witness was able to provide a very general description of the thief.
  4. She began her talk with some general observations about the state of the industry.
  5. The book provides a good general introduction to the subject.
  6. My concerns are all general—nothing specific.
  7. The details of the new plan are different, but it's based on the same general concept.
  8. My general impression was that things were going well.
  9. They were found in the same general area.
  10. I'm going in the general direction of the store.

Origin of GENERAL

Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin generalis, from gener-, genus kind, class — more at kin
First Known Use: 14th century

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