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.
“Our patronage definitely dropped because of the pandemic, and I don’t know that it’s ever completely recovered,” the librarian said, adding that “downtown, in general, hasn’t.”
From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 28, 2026
Indonesia's public transport network in general has a high accident rate, due in part to ageing infrastructure and poor maintenance.
From BBC • Apr. 27, 2026
For weeks, Leo has denounced not only the U.S.-led war on Iran, but war in general.
From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 26, 2026
“The public in general is not getting the type of guidance needed for making the difficult financial decisions as it now stands. What we are stuck with feels more like a shakedown,” Johnson said.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 24, 2026
“Well, Mr. Bowditch,” he growled, “what do you think of the Dutch East Indies in general and Sunda Strait in particular?”
From "Carry On, Mr. Bowditch" by Jean Lee Latham
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.
