general

B1 · Intermediate

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

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

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

“The architect provided a general outline of the project, leaving the specific material choices for a later stage of development.”

A2 · Elementary Countable noun

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

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

“The general ordered the soldiers to move to the border.”

“After decades of service, the general was tasked with overseeing the entire regional peacekeeping operation.”

C1 · Advanced Countable noun Medicine Informal · Technical

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

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

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

“The patient was put under a general to ensure they remained completely immobile and pain-free throughout the complex procedure.”

B2 · Upper Intermediate Formal

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

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

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

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