gen·er·al
(jĕńər-əl)
[Middle English, from Latin generālis, from genus, gener-, kind.]
adjective
- Concerned with, applicable to, or affecting the whole or every member of a class or category: “subduing all her impressions as a woman, to something more general” (Virginia Woolf)
- Affecting or characteristic of the majority of those involved; prevalent: general discontent.
- Of or affecting the entire body: general paralysis.
- Being usually the case; true or applicable in most instances but not all: the general correctness of her decisions.
- Not limited in scope, area, or application: as a general rule.
- Not limited to or dealing with one class of things; diversified: general studies.
- Involving only the main features rather than precise details: a general grasp of the subject.
- Highest or superior in rank: the general manager.
noun
- A commissioned rank in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant general.
- One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization.
- A general officer.
- A statement, principle, or fact that embraces or is applicable to the whole.
- General anesthesia.
- Archaic The public.
idioms
- in general
- Generally.
derivatives
- geńer·al·ness
- noun
synonyms:
general, common, generic, universal These adjectives mean belonging to, relating to, or affecting the whole: the general welfare; a common enemy; generic likenesses; universal military conscription.
Antonym: particular
