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
