general*/*/*/

[ˈdʒen(ə)rəl] adj I

1) not specific, exact, or detailed

Could you just give us a general description of the work you do?[/ex]

I'm probably not making myself very clear, but you get the general idea.[/ex]

2) involving or true for most people, things, or situations

There was general agreement at the meeting that the plan was too expensive.[/ex]

The fighting could escalate into a more general war.[/ex]

As a general rule, shorter sentences are easier to understand.[/ex]

3) used for describing the whole of something, without considering the details

Your general health seems very good.[/ex]

4) dealing with all areas of a subject or activity, rather than concentrating on a particular area

a good general introduction to the subject[/ex]

general knowledge[/ex]

•

in general — 1) in most situations or for most people[/ex]

I don't think people in general give much thought to the environment.[/ex]

— 2) as a whole, without giving details

In general, the standard of your work is very high.[/ex]

II

noun [C]

general [ˈdʒen(ə)rəl]

an officer of high rank in the army or air force