in general Definition

general
adj

1. Relating to, involving or applying to all or most parts, people or things; widespread, not specific, limited, or localized.

Example: the general opinion
Example: as a general rule
Thesaurus: universal, inclusive, comprehensive, across-the-board, global, broad, far-reaching, catholic; widespread, prevalent, ubiquitous, ecumenical; Antonym: particular, limited.
2. Not detailed or definite; rough; vague.

Example: general description
Example: in general terms
Thesaurus: vague, indefinite, uncertain, imprecise, approximate, ill-defined, inaccurate, inexact, loose; Antonym: exact.
3. Not specialized.

Example: general knowledge
Thesaurus: normal, common, everyday, customary, prevailing, popular, accepted, conventional, ordinary, typical; Antonym: novel, rare.
4. Generalized non-specific ideas.

Example: turn from the general to the particular
Form: the general
5. (especially before or after a job title) chief.

Example: general manager
Example: director-general

noun

1. An officer in the army.
2. The commander of a whole army.
3. Any leader, especially when regarded as a competent one.
4. The head of a religious order, eg the Jesuits.

Idiom: in general

Usually; mostly.

Etymology: 13c: from Latin generalis meaning ‘applying to the whole group', from genus race or kind.