general
10 synonyms and 0 antonyms for general, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Applying to or covering a whole group rather than one specific part; overall.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use general
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin generalis ("relating to a whole class or kind"), from genus ("kind, class") — the same root behind "genre" and "genus".
Full origin of general →Frequently asked questions
What does “general” mean?
The word “general” means applying to or covering a whole group rather than one specific part; overall. In plain terms, covering the whole of something, or true most of the time, rather than one exact detail.
How do you pronounce “general”?
“General” is pronounced JEHN-ruhl (/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “general” in a sentence?
Here is “general” used in a sentence: “The report gives a general overview of the company's finances.”
What part of speech is “general”?
Depending on how it is used, “general” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “general” come from?
The word “general” comes from Latin. From Latin generalis ("relating to a whole class or kind"), from genus ("kind, class") — the same root behind "genre" and "genus".
Is “general” a common word?
“General” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “general” have?
“General” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: applying to or covering a whole group rather than one specific part; overall.
What is the difference between 'general' and 'specific'?
General describes something that applies broadly, to a whole group or on the whole, without going into detail. Specific is its opposite: precise, particular, and focused on one exact case. A 'general rule' covers most situations, while a 'specific rule' targets one. General gives the big picture; specific fills in the fine detail.
What does 'in general' mean?
'In general' means 'usually' or 'on the whole,' describing what is true most of the time rather than in every single case. For example, 'In general, the trains run on time' allows for occasional exceptions. It is a way to make a broad statement while quietly acknowledging that details may vary.
What is an example of 'general' used as an adjective?
You might mention a 'general overview,' meaning a broad summary rather than a detailed one, or 'the general public,' meaning people as a whole. Other examples include 'a general idea' and 'general knowledge.' In each case, 'general' signals something wide-ranging and shared rather than narrow, exact, or specialised.