Pronunciations (3)
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/ˈd͡ʒɛn.(ə.)ɹəl/
Pronunciation notes
- Canada
- General-American
- Received-Pronunciation
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/ˈd͡ʒen.(ə.)ɹəl/
Pronunciation notes
- Australia
- New-Zealand
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ˈd͡ʒɛnɹəl
Adjective
Including or involving every part or member of a given or implied entity, whole, etc.; common to all, universal.
- Antonyms
- Examples
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It is generall / To be mortall: / I haue well espyde / No man may hym hyde / From Deth holow eyed […].
"Among us!" was the general shout, and Peppersorn sat frozen to his chair.
More examples (3)
That each, who seems a separate whole, Should move his rounds, and fusing all The skirts of self again, should fall Remerging in the general Soul, Is faith as vague as all unsweet: […]
Undoubtedly the age of the Antonines was much better than any later age until the Renaissance, from the point of view of the general happiness.
One advantage of having profitable companies in Britain is that they pay large sums in corporate tax into the Exchequer, which in theory at least is used for the general good.
Applied to a person (as a postmodifier or a normal preceding adjective) to indicate supreme rank, in civil or military titles, and later in other terms; pre-eminent.
Usage- postpositional
- sometimes
- Examples
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For these successes he obtained the rank of Field-Marshal General.
He becomes the chief chartered libertine, the whoremaster-general flourishing his "standard" over a female army […].
Prevalent or widespread among a given class or area; common, usual.
- Examples
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‘I can't quite afford you the sympathy you expect upon this score,’ I replied; ‘the misfortune is so general, that it belongs to one half of the species […].’
More examples (1)
The general opinion on Baz Luhrmann's overstuffed epic Australia seems to be that it throws in everything but the kitchen sink, and then tosses that in too, just to be sure.
Not limited in use or application; applicable across a broad range.
- Examples
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M. Venizelos went to Athens from Paris early last January in response to a general invitation from the Greek populace.
More examples (2)
Already in the primary school work is conducted for the purpose of equipping the pupils with those elements of general knowledge which are closely related to the military preparation of future warriors.
Supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) is a general term indicating a rapid heartbeat (tachycardia) coming from the top chambers of the heart - in essence, above (supra) the lower chamber (ventricular).
Giving or consisting of only the most important aspects of something, ignoring minor details; indefinite.
- Examples
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As she thus spoke, the entrance of the servants with dinner cut off all conversation but that of a general nature.
There was a moment's pause. The Princess broke in with some casual remark and once more the conversation became general.
More examples (2)
The quick answer is that the 1893 Exposition was simply so important — "the greatest event in the history of the country since the Civil War," as Harper's put it that October — but that feels too general.
Given the scarcity of relevant historical detail in the New Testament, we are left with only a general outline about Joseph.
Not of a specific class; miscellaneous.
- Examples
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general goods
His measured, springless walk was the walk of the skilled countryman as distinct from the desultory shamble of the general labourer […].
Noun
The holder of a senior military title, originally designating the commander of an army and now a specific rank falling under field marshal (in the British army) and below general of the army or general of the air force in the US army and air forces.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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General Eisenhower was the first SACEUR.
A great strategist or tactician.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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Hannibal was one of the greatest generals of the ancient world.
A general fact or proposition; a generality.
Usage- Archaic
- Countable
- Uncountable
- Examples
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We have dealt with the generals; now let us turn to the particulars.
The head of certain religious orders, especially Dominicans or Jesuits.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
The equivalent of a king in Chinese chess, the xiangqi piece that is confined to the palace, moves orthogonally one point at a time, and whose loss decides the game.
Usage- Countable
- Uncountable
Synonym of admiral, a senior naval title, a great naval strategist or tactician.
Usage- Countable
- Obsolete
- Uncountable
Verb
To lead (soldiers) as a general.
- Examples
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More examples (1)
Generalled by Mrs. Hauksbee, who, again, had all Mrs. Mallowe's wisdom at her disposal, proud of himself and, in the end, believing in himself because he was believed in, Otis Yeere stood ready for any fortune that might befall, certain that it would be good.
Adverb
In a general or collective manner or sense; in most cases; upon the whole.
Usage- not-comparable
- Obsolete
Adjective
applying to all or most members of a category or group
- Antonyms
- Examples
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the general public
general assistance
More examples (3)
a general rule
in general terms
comprehensible to the general reader
not specialized or limited to one class of things
- Examples
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general studies
general knowledge
prevailing among and common to the general public
- Examples
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the general discontent
affecting the entire body
- Antonyms
- Examples
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a general anesthetic
general symptoms
somewhat indefinite
- Examples
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bearing a general resemblance to the original
a general description of the merchandise
of worldwide scope or applicability
- Examples
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an issue of cosmopolitan import
universal experience
Noun
a general officer of the highest rank
- Synonyms
- Broader terms
the head of a religious order or congregation
- Synonyms
a fact about the whole (as opposed to particular)
- Antonyms
- Broader terms
- Examples
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he discussed the general but neglected the particular
Verb
command as a general
- Broader terms
- Examples
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We are generaled by an incompetent!