General ˈdʒenrəl Interest Opinion Adjective Books People Feeling

• books of general interest (= of interest to most people)
• the general feeling was one of relief.
• the general opinion is that the conference was a success.
• there is general agreement on that point.

general

1. affecting all or most people, places or things
• books of general interest (= of interest to most people)
• The general feeling was one of relief.
• The general opinion is that the conference was a success.
• There is general agreement on that point.
• The general trend has been a slow decline in output.
• The bad weather has been fairly general (= has affected most areas).

Extra Examples

• The general consensus was that the scheme was too expensive.
• A general sense of unease settled over the city.
• There was a general amnesty for crimes committed during the civil war.
• There was a general lack of adequate training.
2. normal; usual
• There is one exception to this general principle.
• As a general rule (= usually) he did what he could to be helpful.
• This opinion is common among the general population (= ordinary people).
3. including the most important aspects of something; not exact or detailed
• SYNONYM overall
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/overall_2
• I check the bookings to get a general idea of what activities to plan.
• I know how it works in general terms.
• They gave a general description of the man.
• Carton here uses the word ‘business’ in a very general sense.
4. approximately, but not exactly, the direction/area mentioned
• They fired in the general direction of the enemy.
5. not limited to a particular subject, use or activity
• a general hospital
• general education
• We shall keep the discussion fairly general.
6. not limited to one part or aspect of a person or thing
• a general anaesthetic
• The building was in a general state of disrepair.
7. highest in rank; chief
• SEE ALSO adjutant general
  https://www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com/definition/english/adjutant-general
• the general manager
• the Inspector General of Police
8. usually; mainly
• In general, Japanese cars are very reliable and breakdowns are rare.
9. as a whole
• This is a crucial year for your relationships in general and your love life in particular.

Word Origin

• Middle English: via Old French from Latin generalis, from genus, gener- ‘class, race, kind’. The noun primarily denotes a person having overall authority: the sense ‘army commander’ is an abbreviation of captain general, from French capitaine général ‘commander-in-chief’.