general

Universal Words adjective, noun adjective affecting all 1 affecting all or most people, places or things: The general opinion is that the conference was a success. * the general belief / consensus * a general strike * books of general interest (= of interest to most people) * The bad weather has been fairly general (= has affected most areas). usual 2 [usuallybeforenoun] normal; usual: There is one exception to this general principle. * As a general rule (= usually) he did what he could to be helpful. * This opinion is common among the general population (= ordinary people). not detailed 3 including the most important aspects of sth; not exact or detailed SYNOVERALL: I check the bookings to get a general idea of what activities to plan. * I know how it works in general terms. * They gave a general description of the man. direction / area 4 the ~ direction / area approximately, but not exactly, the direction/area mentioned: They fired in the general direction of the enemy. not limited 5 not limited to a particular subject, use or activity: a general hospital * general education * We shall at this stage keep the discussion fairly general. 6 not limited to one part or aspect of a person or thing: a general anaesthetic * The building was in a general state of disrepair. highest in rank 7 [onlybeforenoun] (also General [afternoun]) highest in rank; CHIEF: the general manager * the Inspector General of Police seealsoATTORNEY-GENERAL, DIRECTOR-GENERAL, GOVERNORGENERAL, SECRETARYGENERAL, SOLICITORGENERAL, SURGEONGENERAL IDIOMS in general 1 usually; mainly: In general, Japanese cars are very reliable and breakdowns are rare. 2 as a whole: This is a crucial year for your relationships in general and your love life in particular. noun (abbreviation Gen.) an officer of very high rank in the army and the US air force; the officer with the highest rank in the Marines: a four-star general * General Tom Parker seealsoBRIGADIERGENERAL, MAJORGENERAL