general

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.

“General” is pronounced JEHN-ruhl (/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹəl/ in IPA).

Here is “general” used in a sentence: “The report gives a general overview of the company's finances.”

Depending on how it is used, “general” can be an adjective and a noun.

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".

“General” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.

“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.

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.

'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.

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.