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.
He said maggots and flies were attracted to food left in general waste bins as they tended to be collected less often.
From BBC • Mar. 30, 2026
If you don’t trust them, or are worried in general about scams, don’t give them this power — it’s that simple.
From MarketWatch • Mar. 30, 2026
Do you have any thoughts on kid comedy in general?
From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 27, 2026
Kirkland’s drinks could get more consumers to try energy drinks in general, and they may later trade up to more premium brands, the analysts said.
From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026
I felt that I owed more to children in general, and in particular to girls.
From "Becoming" by Michelle Obama
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.
