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.
I was particularly curious about the members of Congress who have adorned the walls outside their offices with posters proclaiming their appreciation for the Capitol Police and law enforcement in general.
From Salon • May 29, 2026
But investor optimism has been slowly seeping back into ServiceNow and select software stocks in general.
From MarketWatch • May 29, 2026
Nine of the panel’s 10 members were researchers, doctors or psychologists who have previously questioned the drugs’ safety or criticized antidepressant use in general.
From Los Angeles Times • May 27, 2026
“I predict…failure,” he said, describing party conventions in general as “sartorial freak shows.”
From The Wall Street Journal • May 25, 2026
It was easy to say good-bye to the monks in general, but not to Brother Ferz, who made me a novice and taught me to read and write.
From "The Many Assassinations of Samir, the Seller of Dreams" by Daniel Nayeri
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.
