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 .
-
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.
In general, I have been wondering if everyday Americans are, plain and simple, a little more strange than they used to be.
From Slate • May 7, 2026
In general, mobile homes are two to fives times more vulnerable in an earthquake than wood-frame houses, according to earthquake experts in California.
From Los Angeles Times • May 4, 2026
In general, we need to fully eliminate the CBO’s projected primary deficit.
From MarketWatch • Apr. 28, 2026
"In general, people have been very respectful and are just watching him very quietly, and letting him rest," she said.
From BBC • Apr. 28, 2026
In general, though, we learned that, as thrilling as it looked, trying to maneuver a body suddenly weightless out in space could actually be quite tiring for the person.
From "Reaching for the Moon" by Katherine Johnson
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.
