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generalaffecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things; widespread

Part of speech: ADJECTIVE

Definition: affecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things; widespread

Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈdʒenərəl/

Example Sentences

  • The general opinion is that pineapple on pizza should be banned by the Geneva Convention.
  • As a general rule, don't trust anyone who puts ketchup on expensive steak.
  • The general meeting will discuss the new company policies.

general

ADJECTIVE

[/ˈdʒenərəl/]

affecting or concerning all or most people, places, or things; widespread

A person gives the same instruction to a whole group.
💡 Concept

A person gives the same instruction to a whole group.

General view, not specific or central — one broad move that covers all potential.
🎵 Rhyme

General view, not specific or central — one broad move that covers all potential.

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🎤Pronunciation

🇺🇸 US/ˈdʒenərəl/
🇬🇧 UK/ˈdʒenərəl/

🌳Etymology

Rootgener
Suffix--al

Origin

The word derives from Latin 'generalis', which developed from 'genus' (tribe, class, kind). Originally meaning 'relating to an entire tribe or class', it evolved to denote something affecting or applying to the whole or majority, eventually acquiring the modern sense of 'comprehensive' or 'not specific'.

Breakdown

Latin 'generalis' comprises 'genus' (kind, class) + '-alis' (adjective suffix meaning 'of or relating to'). The root 'genus' itself comes from the Proto-Indo-European base meaning 'to beget' or 'to produce', reflecting the notion of a category of related things.

🎵Rhyme

mineralfuneralfederal
mineral
funeral
federal

🔗Collocations

general public
general knowledge
in general
general election
general manager
general rule
general consensus

📝Examples

😄 Fun example

The general opinion is that pineapple on pizza should be banned by the Geneva Convention.

😄 Fun example

As a general rule, don't trust anyone who puts ketchup on expensive steak.

The general meeting will discuss the new company policies.

She has a general understanding of computer programming.

📚Related Words

Synonyms

overallcommonwidespreaduniversalbroad

Antonyms

specificparticulardetailed

Related

generategenericgenregenerousgenus

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