Meaning of general In English

• 0 involving or relating to most or all people, things, or places, especially when these are considered as a unit:

  • The general feeling is that justice was not served.

  • There is general concern about rising crime rates.

  • My general impression of the place was good.

  • The talk is intended to be of general interest (= of interest to most people).

  • UK formal Rain will become more general in the southeast during the afternoon.

  • In general, men are taller than women.

  • As a general rule, we don't allow children in the bar.

  • So, apart from the bad ankle, how are you in general?

  • The government will only say it is not in the general interest to reveal any more information.

• 1 not detailed, but including the most basic or necessary information:

  • What he said was very general.

  • The school aims to give children a general background in a variety of subjects.

  • I'm not an expert, so I can only speak in general terms on this matter.

  • His book moves from the general to the particular.

• 2 including a lot of things or subjects and not limited to only one or a few:

  • general knowledge

  • the general manager

  • the General Secretary of the UN

• 3 an officer of very high rank, especially in the army:

  • He was promoted to the rank of general.

  • General Brown/Roger Brown

  • [ as form of address ] Thank you, General.

• 4 involving or relating to most people, things, or conditions, esp. when these are considered as a unit; not particular or specific:

  • the general standard of living

  • This book is intended for the general reader (= one who does not have special knowledge).

  • He has only a general knowledge of anatomy (= does not have detailed information about it).

  • In general (= In most cases), women live longer than men.

• 5 a military officer of the highest rank

• 6 including a lot of things or subjects rather than being limited to only one or a few:

  • Only a third of the general population are willing to haggle over the price of something they want to buy.

  • Market demand for all our products remains strong, reflecting continued growth in the general economy.

  • Let me describe the finances in general terms without being specific.

• 7 used as part of the title of a job of someone who is in charge of all or part of an organization or company:

  • Mike Black, general manager at the plant, said only a small percentage of the workforce were members of the union.

  • the General Secretary of the UN

  • General Director

• 8 usually, or in most situations:

  • In general, British management style is known for its individuality.

  • "Housing as a general rule follows jobs," Terry said.