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
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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.