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general

Meaning in simple English

US /ˈdʒɛnərəl/ · UK /ˈdʒenərəl/

general means: Concerning many things or people, rather than one particular thing or person.

adjective

BROADB1

Concerning many things or people, rather than one particular thing or person.

  • She gave us some general advice.
  • The course covers general health problems.
  • These rules apply to the general public.

Similar words: broad, overall

Opposites: specific

Common phrases: general knowledge, general advice, general public

APPROXIMATEB1

Giving a broad idea of something without exact facts or details.

  • I have a general idea of the cost.
  • She gave a general description of the house.
  • Can you explain the general outline of your plan?

Similar words: rough, approximate

Opposites: exact, precise

Common phrases: general idea, general impression, general outline

noun

ARMY OFFICERB1

A military officer with a very high rank who commands many soldiers.

  • The general spoke to the soldiers.
  • Two generals met to discuss the battle.
  • She became a general after years in the army.

Common phrases: army general, retired general, rank of general, promoted to general

SKILLED STRATEGISTC2

Someone very skilled at planning battles or directing a campaign.

  • She proved a brilliant general in the final campaign.
  • History remembers him as a great general.
  • As a general, he understood how to defeat larger forces.

Similar words: strategist, tactician

Common phrases: brilliant general, great general

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