general
gb/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl/ us/d͡ʒˈɛnɚəl/
A2
English
~ 1000
Senses
0 senses
adjective
B1
property
1
Affecting most or all cases
About most people or things in a group, not just a few.
Usage pattern:
[something] is general
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'general' with 'generic'. 'Generic' often means lacking special features, while 'general' means broad or widespread.
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.)
Collocations
general rule
|general idea
|general opinion
|general knowledge
|general trend
Themes
communication
|logic
|daily life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The general opinion was that the plan would work.
- In general, people prefer warm weather to cold.
- 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.
- The general rule is to be polite.
- She gave a general answer to the question.
- I have a general idea of the story.
Noun
A2
entity
2
Senior army officer
A very high officer in the army who leads many soldiers.
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.
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.)
Collocations
army general
|four-star general
|retired general
|brigadier general
Themes
military
|leadership
|politics
Examples
- The general addressed the troops before the mission.
- General Smith will lead the operation.
- 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.
- My uncle is a general in the army.
- A general has many people under him.
adjective
B1
property
3
Not detailed or specific
Not about one small part, but about many things in a simple way.
Usage pattern:
[something] is general
Synonyms
broad (Covers a wide scope without going into detail.)
Antonyms
specialized (Focused on one specific area or skill.)
Collocations
general education
|general interest
|general knowledge
Themes
communication
|education
Examples
- The course provides a general introduction to physics.
- He has only a general understanding of the subject.
- General education requirements include math and science.
Learner examples
- I have a general idea about the topic.
- This is just a general list of names.
- The teacher gave a general explanation.
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.