General: meaning, definitions and examples

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general

[ˈdʒɛnərəl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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

commander, leader, officer.

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. The general devised a new strategy for the upcoming battle. General Smith was awarded a medal for his outstanding service.
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. The commander gave the order to advance. Commander Davis is known for his decisive leadership.
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. The officer directed traffic at the busy intersection. As an officer in the army, he had many responsibilities.
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. She emerged as the natural leader of the group. A good leader listens to their team.

Examples of usage

He was promoted to the rank of general after years of service.
The general inspected the troops before the battle.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

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. In general, people like to have weekends off The general opinion in the office is that the new policy is a bad idea
universal	Use when something applies to every situation, place, or person without exception. It suggests a global or all-encompassing characteristic. The desire for happiness is a universal trait A smile is a universal sign of friendliness
common	Use when referring to something that happens frequently or exists in large numbers. It often suggests everyday or usual occurrences. It's common for people to drink coffee in the morning This bird is very common in urban areas
widespread	Use when talking about something that is found in many places or among many people. It emphasizes distribution over vast areas or groups. There is widespread support for the new law The belief that the earth is flat was once widespread

Examples of usage

The general consensus is that the new policy is beneficial.
In general, people prefer sunny weather.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "general" in other languages:

🇵🇹 geral

🇮🇳 सामान्य

🇩🇪 allgemein

🇮🇩 umum

🇺🇦 загальний

🇵🇱 ogólny

🇯🇵 一般

🇫🇷 général

🇪🇸 general

🇹🇷 genel

🇰🇷 일반적인

🇸🇦 عام

🇨🇿 obecný

🇸🇰 všeobecný

🇨🇳 一般

🇸🇮 splošen

🇮🇸 almennur

🇰🇿 жалпы

🇬🇪 ზოგადი

🇦🇿 ümumi

🇲🇽 general

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #126, this word is extremely common in English. It's a crucial part of basic vocabulary that's used constantly in both spoken and written communication, making it essential for even basic conversations.

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123 every
124 less
125 following
126 general
127 law
128 different
129 power
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