English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology

adverb

in general

in JEN-uh-ruhl

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In general (adverb) means Usually or in most cases, allowing for exceptions. Example: “In general, the trains run on time.”

adverb

1

Usually or in most cases, allowing for exceptions.

"In general, the trains run on time."

"People in general don't read the terms and conditions."

2

Considering something as a whole rather than in its details.

"We talked about the economy in general rather than any one industry."

How to use in general

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishMost of the time, or when looking at the whole thing rather than the details.

When to use it

Neutral; suitable for any register.

Memory tip

Its natural opposite is in particular, which is useful for structuring a paragraph: in general X, but in particular Y.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

generally → in particular → overall →

Common pairings

in general terms people in general in general, however

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “in general” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____, the trains run on time.

Etymology

Passed down from Middle English in general.

Origin: Middle English

Synonyms

generally usually on the whole as a rule by and large broadly overall

Antonyms

specifically in particular

Related words

general often especially usually entire specific particularly generally

Rhymes for in general

feral literal general liberal funeral lateral mineral federal several visceral ephemeral bilateral

See all rhymes for in general →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between in general and generally?

They mean the same thing, but the position differs: generally sits comfortably before the verb (people generally agree), while in general prefers the start or end of the clause (in general, people agree). In general can also follow a noun to mean as a whole, as in society in general.

Is in general the same as usually?

Nearly. Usually is strictly about frequency, while in general can also mean broadly speaking or overall, which is about scope rather than how often.

Do you need a comma after in general?

Yes when it opens a sentence: In general, this works well. Inside the sentence it normally takes no commas.

What is the meaning of in general?

"in general" (adverb) means usually or in most cases, allowing for exceptions.

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general often especially usually entire specific particularly generally