General Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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general
[ˈdʒɛnərəl ]
Definitions
military
A high-ranking military officer, especially in the US Army or Marine Corps, ranking above a lieutenant general and below a general of the army or general of the Marine Corps.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| general |
Used in a military context to refer to a high-ranking officer in the army. This term is often associated with significant authority and experience.
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| commander |
Typically used in both military and naval contexts to refer to someone in charge of a specific unit or group of soldiers. It denotes control and leadership over a particular segment.
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| officer |
Primarily used in military, police, or organizational contexts to refer to someone holding a position of authority or command. It can denote a range of ranks and responsibilities.
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| leader |
A broader term that can be used in various contexts (military, corporate, social, etc.) to refer to someone who leads or guides others, regardless of their official title. It highlights qualities of guidance and influence.
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Examples of usage
- He was promoted to the rank of general after years of service.
- The general inspected the troops before the battle.
common
Affecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things; widespread.
Synonyms
common, universal, widespread.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| general |
Use when talking about broad or non-specific characteristics. It applies to most but not all cases.
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| universal |
Use when something applies to every situation, place, or person without exception. It suggests a global or all-encompassing characteristic.
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| common |
Use when referring to something that happens frequently or exists in large numbers. It often suggests everyday or usual occurrences.
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| widespread |
Use when talking about something that is found in many places or among many people. It emphasizes distribution over vast areas or groups.
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Examples of usage
- The general consensus is that the new policy is beneficial.
- In general, people prefer sunny weather.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Military
- In military hierarchy, a general is responsible for strategic planning and leadership over large units.
- The title 'general' has different ranks, such as brigadier general and major general, each with unique responsibilities.
- Generals often aim to inspire and motivate troops, reflecting the term's broader meaning of influence.
Education
- In academia, a 'general' can refer to a broad field of study or a general education requirement that covers many topics.
- General knowledge encompasses information across various subjects, which is useful for everyday life.
- Courses that are 'general' typically do not specialize in one area, allowing for a more rounded understanding.
Pop Culture
- The term 'general' is often used in media to describe characters who have a wide-ranging understanding of various subjects.
- In literature, a 'general' theme may refer to common motifs like love, friendship, or adventure seen across different stories.
- Brands use the term 'general' in product lines to indicate versatility and broad appeal for various audiences.
Psychology
- Cognitive psychologists study how people form 'generalizations' based on specific experiences, which is crucial for learning.
- The 'generalization effect' describes how people apply learned behavior from one context to another, reflecting adaptability.
- In developmental psychology, children learn to make generalizations about the world as a key part of their cognitive development.
Origin of 'general'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'generalis', meaning 'belonging to a kind or class'.
- It has been used in English since the late 14th century, originally to describe something that is widespread or common.
- In military terms, 'general' refers to a high-ranking officer, coming from the idea of overseeing general forces.
The word 'general' originates from the Latin word 'generalis', which means 'pertaining to a whole class or kind'. It was first recorded in English in the 14th century. Over time, the term evolved to encompass various meanings in different contexts, ranging from military ranks to common usage in everyday language.