in general
Idioms-
Referring to a group of persons or a subject as a whole, as opposed to particular ones. For example, I am speaking about contracts in general , or Girls in general mature at a younger age than boys . [Late 1300s] For an antonym, see in particular .
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For the most part; commonly, usually. For example, In general the children behaved very well , or Our winters are quite mild in general . [Early 1700s]
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Inflation in general has risen as a result of high fuel costs and Victor explained that there are signs of a broader economic slowdown.
From Salon • Jun. 10, 2026
He welcomes the diversity in ages and backgrounds, saying it "just enriches the crew in general."
From Barron's • Jun. 9, 2026
If Broadway is changing faster than the old guard can keep pace, the same is true for the culture in general.
From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 8, 2026
People like index funds in general, but they have a particular taste for S&P 500 funds, which are hundreds of billions of dollars ahead of any other funds.
From Slate • Jun. 5, 2026
Rowdy got so disgusted with me, monkeys, and everything in general, he wouldn’t even come out from under the house when I called him.
From "Summer of the Monkeys" by Wilson Rawls
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
