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.
In general, I have been wondering if everyday Americans are, plain and simple, a little more strange than they used to be.
From Slate • May 7, 2026
In general, mobile homes are two to fives times more vulnerable in an earthquake than wood-frame houses, according to earthquake experts in California.
From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026
In general, VIX continues to reflect some worries, but they are diminishing slightly.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 30, 2026
In general VAR overturns, Liverpool have had six interventions against them.
From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026
In general, quantum mechanics does not predict a single definite result for an observation.
From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking
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.
