gen·er·al (j n r- l)adj.1. Concerned with, applicable to, or affecting the whole or every member of a class or category: "subduing all her impressions as a woman, to something more general" (Virginia Woolf). 2. Affecting or characteristic of the majority of those involved; prevalent: general discontent. 3. Of or affecting the entire body: general paralysis. 4. Being usually the case; true or applicable in most instances but not all: the general correctness of her decisions. 5. a. Not limited in scope, area, or application: as a general rule. b. Not limited to or dealing with one class of things; diversified: general studies. 6. Involving only the main features rather than precise details: a general grasp of the subject. 7. Highest or superior in rank: the general manager. n.1. a. Abbr. GEN or Gen or Gen. A commissioned rank in the U.S. Army, Air Force, or Marine Corps that is above lieutenant general. b. One who holds this rank or a similar rank in another military organization. 2. A general officer. 3. A statement, principle, or fact that embraces or is applicable to the whole. 4. General anesthesia. 5. Archaic The public. Idiom:
[Middle English, from Latin gener lis, from genus, gener-, kind; see gen - in Indo-European roots.]
gen er·al·ness n. Synonyms: general, common, generic, universal These adjectives mean belonging to, relating to, or affecting the whole: the general welfare; a common enemy; generic likenesses; universal military conscription. |
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