A2adjective1K

General

UK /["/ˈdʒenrəl/"]/US /["/ˈdʒenrəl/"]/

Definition

affecting all or most people, places or things

In simple words: relating to most or all things, not specific

Examples

  • The general idea of the project is to improve community health.
  • In general, I enjoy reading books on history.
  • The general opinion is that the new law will benefit everyone.
  • He gave a general overview of the meeting's agenda.
  • The general public often misunderstands complicated issues.

Usage notes

Use 'general' when speaking about broad categories or concepts. Avoid in contexts requiring specificity. It often precedes nouns, e.g., 'general idea'.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'general' as 'general knowledge' — the broad things everyone knows.

Collocations

  • general idea
  • general public
  • general consensus
  • general information
  • in general

Synonyms

  • overall
  • common
  • universal
  • collective
  • broad

Antonyms

  • specific
  • particular

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'genital' which has a completely different meaning.
  • Using 'general' when 'specific' is needed.
  • Saying 'the general' when they mean 'in general'.