general
gb/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl/ us/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl/
A2
English
~ 1000
általános, általában, tábornok
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[something] is general
The general opinion was that the plan would work.
Az volt az általános vélemény, hogy a terv be fog válni.
In general, people prefer warm weather to cold.
Az emberek általában jobban szeretik a meleg időt, mint a hideget.
This book gives a general overview of modern history.
The general trend in prices has been upward.
General knowledge is important for quiz competitions.
Learner examples
In general, cats like to sleep a lot.
A macskák általában sokat szeretnek aludni.
The general rule is to be polite.
Általános szabály, hogy udvariasnak kell lenni.
She gave a general answer to the question.
I have a general idea of the story.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'general' with 'generic'. 'Generic' often means lacking special features, while 'general' means broad or widespread.
Meaning
Affecting most or all cases
Collocations
general rule
|general idea
|general opinion
|general knowledge
|general trend
Synonyms
universal (Implies applying to absolutely all cases without exception.)
|
common (Suggests frequent occurrence rather than broad applicability.)
Antonyms
specific (Focuses on one particular case or detail instead of the whole group.)
Themes
communication
|logic
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Definition
About most people or things in a group, not just a few.
Affecting, involving, or true for most or all members of a group, situation, or category.
NOUN
A2
2
tábornok
B1
The general addressed the troops before the mission.
A tábornok a bevetés előtt szólt a katonákhoz.
General Smith will lead the operation.
Smith tábornok fogja vezetni a műveletet.
She was promoted to the rank of general last year.
The retired general now works as a security consultant.
Learner examples
The general spoke to the soldiers.
A tábornok beszélt a katonákhoz.
My uncle is a general in the army.
A nagybátyám tábornok a hadseregben.
A general has many people under him.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'general' as a title with the adjective meaning 'broad'. In military contexts, it is always capitalized when used with a name.
Meaning
Senior army officer
Collocations
army general
|four-star general
|retired general
|brigadier general
Synonyms
commander (Can refer to leaders in various military branches, not only the army.)
Antonyms
private (The lowest rank in the army, opposite of a general's high rank.)
Themes
military
|leadership
|politics
Definition
A very high officer in the army who leads many soldiers.
The highest-ranking officer in an army, typically commanding large units or having top-level authority.
B1
3
általános
A2
Usage pattern:
[something] is general
The course provides a general introduction to physics.
A kurzus általános bevezetést nyújt a fizikába.
He has only a general understanding of the subject.
Csak általános szinten érti a témát.
General education requirements include math and science.
Learner examples
I have a general idea about the topic.
Nagyjából van fogalmam a témáról.
This is just a general list of names.
Ez csak egy általános névlista.
The teacher gave a general explanation.
Meaning
Not detailed or specific
Collocations
general education
|general interest
|general knowledge
Synonyms
broad (Covers a wide scope without going into detail.)
Antonyms
specialized (Focused on one specific area or skill.)
Themes
communication
|education
Definition
Not about one small part, but about many things in a simple way.
Not focused on one particular area; covering many things broadly rather than in detail.
Grammar
Dictionary form
general
IPA
GB/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl/
US/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl/
Syllables & stress
gen - er - al (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (gen)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: general
Noun
- Base: general
- Plural: generals
Word family
Forms
generals
noun
Core family
generally
adverb B1
Related words
generalize
verb C1
generalization
noun B2
Negative and opposite forms
specific
adjective B1
specifically
adverb B1
Advanced or less common
generality
noun
generalist
noun C1
Expressions
as a general rule
1/ˈæz ə d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl ɹˈul/
fixed phrase
Usually the case by rule
Used to say something is usually true or done in most cases.
Examples
- As a general rule, you should back up your data regularly.
- As a general rule, we don’t work on Sundays.
in general
1/ˈɪn d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl/
fixed phrase
Usually true overall
Used to say something is usually true in most situations.
Examples
- In general, children learn languages faster than adults.
- In general, prices are lower in rural areas.
the general public
1/ðə d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl pˈʌblɪk/
fixed phrase
Ordinary people as a whole
All people in society who are not part of a special group or organization.
Examples
- The museum is now open to the general public.
- This information should be available to the general public.