in general


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.

Words Nearby in general

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use in general in a sentence

  • Betsey Lane had spent most of her life as aid-in-general to the respected household of old General Thornton.

  • Hence we have an unlimited supply of reformers, philanthropists, humanitarians, and would-be managers-in-general of society.

  • She believed that details could excitingly be altered, but that things-in-general were comely and kind and immutable.

    Main Street | Sinclair Lewis
  • Gypsy installed herself as housekeeper-in-general, and she and Sarah lost no time in unpacking the cake and bread and butter.

    Gypsy Breynton | Elizabeth Stuart Phelps
  • So I only ask as a student of the great nothing-in-general, which men call the universe.'

    Hypatia | Charles Kingsley