in general

1. 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 .

2. 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

It helps avoid the potential problem of cross contamination and germs from double-dippers and just in general everyone taking from the same plates.

From Salon

“You could imagine a case where they’re just less responsive to sourness in general,” Hayes said.

From Salon

“Call and discuss the detrimental effect of this decision on the health of the children and the health of the public in general,” Alissa said.

From Salon

Compared with the rest of the UK, investment in general practice in Northern Ireland is the lowest - in England, GP services receive about 9% of the total health budget while in England it is 6.6%.

From BBC

Chin-Hong said confusion about the vaccine and concerns about side effects are “understandable” because of “all the talk coming out of Washington, D.C., and the assault on vaccines in general.”

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• especially 
• essentially 
• largely 
• mostly 
• predominantly www.thesaurus.com
• principally