formal 10K+

Attorney general

UK //əˌtɜː.ni ˈdʒen.ər.əl// US //əˌtɜrn.i ˈdʒɛn.ə.rəl// Pronunciation

Definition

The chief legal advisor and head of the legal department of a government.

Listen to definition

In simple words: The main lawyer for the government.

Examples

• The Attorney General announced new regulations this morning.
• As Attorney General, she oversees all federal legal matters.
• The Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the company for fraud.
• In many countries, the Attorney General is a key political figure.
• The role of the Attorney General varies by jurisdiction.

Usage notes

Used in legal and governmental contexts; appropriate in formal discussions about law and justice. Avoid in casual conversation.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun phrase

Memory hint

Think of 'Attorney General' as the 'main general' of law.

Collocations

• Attorney General's office
• Attorney General's report
• Attorney General's decision

Synonyms

• chief law officer
• legal advisor
• government lawyer
• state attorney
• public prosecutor

Common mistakes

• Confused with 'prosecutor' - an attorney general has a broader role.
• Using in non-legal contexts - this term is specific to government legal positions.