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.
A 2025 Brookings Institution analysis of six of them found that the problematic enrollment patterns prevalent in North Carolina and Arizona hold true for state programs in general.
From Salon ● Jul. 28, 2026
While Inouye-Perez continues to steer the Bruin ship, Walker and Fernandez serve in general manager roles for the Sparks and Talons, respectively.
From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 27, 2026
I think that many baby boomers have remained more active than our parents in general and that is a major difference and reason why we might be challenging some preconceived notions on aging.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 25, 2026
"When I get my hair cut, I feel like a new man, and it makes me feel more confident in general," he said.
From BBC ● Jul. 20, 2026
That is, the black market and life in general seemed orderly and organized, and yet the markets were illegal...but totally in the open.
From "A Place to Belong" by Cynthia Kadohata
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.
