general

Definitions

1. adjective

   Including everyone or everything.

   Examples

   • There was a general shout from the crowd.
   • It is general to be mortal.
   ≈common≈universal≈catholic≈common≈ecumenical +19 more
2. adjective

   Of the highest rank, in a title.

   Examples

   • He earned the rank of Field Marshal General.
   • She is the Attorney General.
3. adjective

   Common or widespread.

   Examples

   • The general opinion is that the film is too long.
   • The misfortune is so general that half the people share it.
   ≈typical≈usual≈common≈average≈basic +25 more
4. adjective

   Not limited to one use or area.

   Examples

   • She sent a general invitation to the whole town.
   • Schools teach general knowledge.
   ≈broad≈generic≈catholic≈common≈ecumenical +8 more
5. adjective

   Covering only the main points, without details.

   Examples

   • The talk stayed general after dinner arrived.
   • He gave a general idea of the plan.
6. adjective

   Not of one special kind.

   Examples

   • The shop sells general goods.
   • He was a general laborer.
7. noun

   A high-ranking officer in the army.

   Examples

   • General Eisenhower led the allied forces.
   • The general ordered a retreat before dawn.
8. noun

   A person who plans well, like a great leader.

   Examples

   • Hannibal was one of the greatest generals of the ancient world.
   • She is a real general at organizing office projects.
9. noun

   A broad statement, not a specific one.

   Examples

   • We have dealt with the generals. Now let us turn to the details.
   • His speech was full of generals and short on facts.
10. noun

    The head of some religious orders.

    Examples

    • The Jesuit general oversees the order's work worldwide.
    • He was elected general of the Dominican order in 1974.