in general

Idioms  

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]

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Example Sentences

We talk about the digital revolution in general, or AI in particular with this fight about safetyism versus accelerationism, jobs apocalypse versus a lot of jobs that are going to be created.

From The Wall Street Journal • May 7, 2026

My politics changed after the Iraq War and Hurricane Katrina, but I still love those characters, and I have a high interest in media drama in general.

From Slate • May 7, 2026

White working-class and precarious middle-class voters were alarmed not only at the upending of the racial caste system but also at what they saw as an unraveling of society in general.

From Salon • May 6, 2026

Richard Hunt, director at Liquidation Centre, said the broader high street context mattered, as UK retailers in general have faced rising rents, higher business rates and lower foot traffic.

From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026

“When is he going?” she asked of everybody in general, as if Robert were not there to answer for himself.

From "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin

Related Words

• especially
• essentially
• largely
• mostly
• predominantly
• principally