26984 words

generals

14 definitions • 30 examples
1
involving or relating to most or all people, things, or places, especially when these are considered as a unit:

Examples:

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.
general interest 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.
2
usually, or in most situations:

Examples:

In general, men are taller than women.
3
considering the whole of someone or something, and not just a particular part of him, her, or it:

Examples:

So, apart from the bad ankle, how are you in general?
4
to be a good thing for the public:

Examples:

The government will only say it is not in the general interest to reveal any more information.
5
not detailed, but including the most basic or necessary information:

Examples:

What he said was very general.
The school aims to give children a general background in a variety of subjects.
in general terms I'm not an expert, so I can only speak in general terms on this matter.
6
things considered as a unit and without giving attention to details:

Examples:

His book moves from the general to the particular.
7
including a lot of things or subjects and not limited to only one or a few:

Examples:

8
used as part of the title of a job of someone who is in charge of a whole organization or company:

Examples:

9
an officer of very high rank, especially in the army:

Examples:

He was promoted to the rank of general.
[ as form of address ] Thank you, General.
10
involving or relating to most people, things, or conditions, esp. when these are considered as a unit; not particular or specific:

Examples:

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.
12
including a lot of things or subjects rather than being limited to only one or a few:

Examples:

Only a third of the general population are willing to haggle over the price of something they want to buy.
Let me describe the finances in general terms without being specific.
13
used as part of the title of a job of someone who is in charge of all or part of an organization or company:

Examples:

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
14

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