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.
“Markets in general don’t wait until everything’s fully worked out,” he says.
From Barron's • Apr. 10, 2026
"So I can comment about India in general, but not IndiGo specifically."
From BBC • Apr. 8, 2026
They had to offer incentives to get potential buyers — who have been hampered by high asking prices, elevated mortgage rates and inflation in general — off the sidelines.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 8, 2026
“A lot of mental health professionals, in general, once they’re trained, they go to more affluent areas to work privately,” Mancillas said.
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 6, 2026
Had he meant Ophie in particular, who he’d spoken to only twice, or colored folks in general?
From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland
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.
