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general

adj. · n.
US //ˈdʒɛnɝəɫ// UK //dʒˈɛnəɹəl// gen·er·al
  1. 1 affecting everyone (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    affecting or including most people, places, or things.

    relating to or involving all or most people, things, or categories; universal within a given context.

    Example

    There is a general feeling that the economy is starting to improve.

    Example

    The general consensus among the board members was that the company needed to pivot toward sustainable energy solutions immediately.
  2. 2 not detailed (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    giving only the main points or ideas without looking at small details.

    concerned with main symbols or features rather than precise details; lacking in specificity.

    Example

    The teacher gave us a general idea of what would be on the test.

    Example

    The architect provided a general outline of the project, leaving the specific material choices for a later stage of development.
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  1. 3 military rank (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a very high-ranking officer in the army or air force.

    a high-ranking commissioned officer in the armed forces, typically commanding a large body of troops.

    Example

    The general ordered the soldiers to move to the border.

    Example

    After decades of service, the general was tasked with overseeing the entire regional peacekeeping operation.
  2. 4 medical anesthesia (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal Technical Medicine

    a type of medicine that makes you sleep so you do not feel pain during surgery.

    a state of total unconsciousness produced by anesthetic agents, or the agents themselves.

    Example

    The doctor said I would need a general for the operation on my shoulder.

    Example

    The patient was put under a general to ensure they remained completely immobile and pain-free throughout the complex procedure.
  3. 5 highest rank (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate Formal

    used in titles to show that someone is the highest leader of an organization.

    postpositive or attributive modifier indicating supreme rank within a civil or professional hierarchy.

    Example

    The Director General of the health organization spoke to the press.

    Example

    The Secretary General issued a formal statement regarding the international treaty violations observed by the monitors.

    Usage

    Often follows the noun it modifies, as in 'Secretary General' or 'Attorney General'.
Origin

From Middle English general, in turn from Anglo-Norman general, generall, Middle French general, and their source, Latin generālis, from genus (“class, kind”) + -ālis (“-al”); thus morphologically parallel with, and a doublet of, generic.

Idioms1 entry

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