in general

gen·er·al  (jnr-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:

in general

Generally.

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[Middle English, from Latin generlis, from genus, gener-, kind; see gen- in Indo-European roots.]

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gener·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.

Antonym: particular

Thesaurus

Adv.

1.

in general - without distinction of one from others; "he is interested in snakes in general" generally, in the main