First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
1general
adjective gen·er·al \ˈjen-rəl, ˈje-nə-\
: of, relating to, or affecting all the people or things in a group : involving or including many or most people
: relating to the main or major parts of something rather than the details : not specific
—used to indicate that a description relates to an entire person or thing rather than a particular part
Full 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>
See general defined for English-language learners
See general defined for kids
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Origin of GENERAL
Middle English, from Anglo-French, from Latin generalis, from gener-, genus kind, class — more at kin
Related to GENERAL
- Synonyms
- across-the-board, blanket, broad-brush, common, generic, global, overall, universal
- Antonyms
- individual, particular
2general
noun
Definition of GENERAL
1
: something (as a concept, principle, or statement) that involves or is applicable to the whole
2
3
archaic : the general public : people
4
a : general officer b : a commissioned officer in the army, air force, or marine corps who ranks above a lieutenant general and whose insignia is four stars — compare admiral
— in general
: for the most part : generally
First Known Use of GENERAL
14th century
GENERAL Defined for Kids
1general
adjective gen·er·al \ˈje-nə-rəl, ˈjen-rəl\
Definition of GENERAL for Kids
1
: having to do with the whole : applying to more than just a small area or group <It's a matter of general interest.>
2
: not specific or detailed <The book is a good general introduction to football.>
3
: involving or including many or most people <Her plans won general acceptance.>
4
: not specialized <a general store>
2general
noun
Definition of GENERAL for Kids
: a military officer ranking above a colonel
— in general
: for the most part <In general, I like school.>
Medical Dictionary
general
adjective gen·er·al \ˈjen-(ə-)rəl\
Medical Definition of GENERAL
1
: not confined by specialization or careful limitation <a general surgeon>
2
: belonging to the common nature of a group of like individuals <the general characteristics of a species>
3
: involving or affecting practically the entire organism : not local <general nervousness>
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